**WYOMING GAP ANALYSIS**

**^Land\ Cover\ Descriptions^**

**^Purpose^**

^\ The\ primary\ purpose\ of\ the\ gap\ analysis\ land\ cover\ is\ to\ provide\ a\ spatial\ variable\ (land\ cover)\ to\ help\ predict\ the\ distribution\ of\ potential\ habitat\ of\ terrestrial\ vertebrate\ species.\ Gap\ analysis\ evaluates\ the\ conservation\ status\ of\ species\ and\ land\ cover\ types\ relative\ to\ existing\ land\ management\ by\ utlizing\ Geographic\ Information\ Systems\ (GIS)\ technology.^

^\ In\ addition,\ the\ land\ cover\ data\ may\ be\ used\ to\ answer\ a\ wide\ variety\ of\ management,\ planning,\ and\ research\ questions\ at\ the\ landscape\ level.\ It\ is\ important\ to\ stress\ that\ this\ information\ was\ collected\ for\ the\ purposes\ of\ statewide\ and\ regional\ analyses\ of\ biodiversity\ conservation,\ and\ as\ a\ result,\ only\ large,\ generalized\ distributions\ are\ mapped.\ Map\ scale\ is\ nominally\ 1:100,000,\ and\ the\ minimum\ mapping\ unit\ is\ 100\ hectares,\ but\ most\ mapped\ land\ cover\ units\ are\ much\ larger\ than\ this\ minimum.\ ^

**^How\ the\ land\ cover\ data\ was\ developed^**

^\ Landsat\ Thematic\ Mapper\ satellite\ imagery\ was\ chosen\ as\ a\ base\ for\ mapping\ because\ it\ provides\ coverage\ of\ large\ area\ (\~34,000\ km2/image)\ with\ sufficient\ detail\ (30\ m\ x\ 30\ m\ resolution\ in\ 6\ spectral\ regions\ of\ reflected\ light)\ to\ distinguish\ important\ land\ cover\ types.\ Satellite\ scenes\ are\ not\ images\ in\ the\ same\ sense\ as\ a\ photograph.\ The\ images\ are\ digital\ data\ \ numbers\ representing\ the\ amount\ of\ reflected\ light\ from\ the\ ground\ \ and\ must\ be\ processed\ using\ a\ computer.\ Several\ processing\ steps\ were\ necessary\ to\ convert\ the\ digital\ data\ from\ the\ satellite\ into\ the\ maps\ in\ this\ atlas.^

^\ In\ order\ to\ reduce\ data\ storage\ requirements,\ the\ satellite\ data\ were\ resampled\ from\ the\ original\ 30\ m\ resolution\ to\ a\ coarser\ resolution\ of\ 100\ m.\ At\ the\ relatively\ coarse\ scale\ of\ the\ gap\ products,\ this\ resampling\ made\ little\ difference\ in\ the\ identification\ of\ land\ cover.\ The\ contrast\ of\ the\ images\ was\ adjusted\ so\ that\ different\ features\ of\ interest\ (land\ cover)\ could\ be\ more\ easily\ distinguished.\ In\ order\ to\ capture\ the\ subtle\ differences\ between\ spectrally\ and\ structurally\ similar\ land\ cover\ types\ in\ Wyoming,\ we\ relied\ on\ visual\ (manual)\ interpretation,\ instead\ of\ computer\ programs,\ to\ actually\ delineate\ the\ boundaries\ of\ different\ land\ cover\ types,\ taking\ advantage\ of\ the\ ability\ of\ the\ human\ eye\ to\ distinguish\ features\ based\ on\ color,\ texture,\ and\ context.\ A\ computer\ can\ make\ discriminations\ between\ types\ based\ on\ color\ (spectral\ reflectance)\ but\ has\ more\ difficulty\ with\ texture\ and\ almost\ no\ ability\ to\ distinguish\ features\ based\ on\ their\ context,\ or\ surroundings.\ To\ create\ the\ land\ cover\ data\ in\ GIS\ format,\ interpreters\ used\ a\ computer\ mouse\ to\ draw\ lines\ or\ polygons\ around\ relatively\ homogeneous\ areas\ of\ land\ cover\ larger\ than\ the\ 100\ ha\ minimum\ mapping\ unit.\ Lakes,\ ponds,\ reservoirs\ and\ riparian\ areas\ were\ mapped\ with\ a\ smaller\ minimum\ mapping\ unit\ of\ 40\ hectares\ because\ of\ the\ importance\ of\ these\ aquatic/\ wetland\ features\ to\ vertebrate\ species.\ ^

^\ The\ land\ cover\ polygons\ were\ attributed\ using\ photointerpretation\ techniques,\ existing\ maps\ of\ land\ cover\ for\ parts\ of\ Wyoming,\ information\ from\ journal\ articles\ and\ graduate\ theses,\ conversation\ with\ field\ workers,\ and\ extensive\ field\ reconnaissance.\ ^

^\ An\ informal\ accuracy\ assessment\ of\ the\ map\ was\ performed\ by\ field\ checking\ in\ the\ summer\ of\ 1994.\ Field\ checking\ was\ performed\ by\ personnel\ from\ agencies\ such\ as\ the\ Bureau\ of\ Land\ Management,\ Forest\ Service,\ Fish\ and\ Wildlife\ Service,\ Natural\ Resource\ Conservation\ Service,\ Wyoming\ Game\ and\ Fish\ Department,\ and\ the\ Nature\ Conservancy\ on\ a\ volunteer\ basis.\ Land\ cover\ polygons\ were\ not\ checked\ systematically.\ Of\ the\ 12.3%\ polygons\ checked,\ 79.6%\ were\ correctly\ classified.\ However,\ because\ of\ the\ 100\ hectare\ minimum\ mapping\ unit\ of\ the\ polygons,\ reliable\ verification\ from\ the\ ground\ was\ not\ always\ possible.\ To\ attain\ a\ better\ estimate\ of\ accuracy,\ a\ formal\ statistical\ evaluation\ utilizing\ aerial\ videography\ is\ currently\ in\ progress,\ and\ is\ due\ to\ be\ completed\ by\ 1998.\ The\ aerial\ videography\ may\ also\ provide\ training\ data\ for\ future\ updates\ of\ the\ land\ cover\ map.\ ^

^\ See\ Chapter\ 2\ of\ the\ Wyoming\ Gap\ Analysis\ final\ report\ for\ more\ details\ on\ the\ procedures\ used\ to\ create\ the\ land\ cover\ distributions:^

^Merrill,\ E.\ H.,\ T.\ W.\ Kohley,\ M.\ E.\ Herdendorf,\ W.A.\ Reiners,\ K.L.\ Driese,\ R.W.\ Marrs,\ S.H.\ Anderson.\ 1996.\ Wyoming\ Gap\ Analysis:\ a\ geographic\ analysis\ of\ biodiversity.\ Final\ Report,\ WY.\ Coop.\ Fish\ Wildl.\ Unit,\ Univ.\ WY.,\ Laramie,\ WY.\ ^**^\ ^**

**^Information\ provided:^**

**^Code:^**^\ a\ five\ digit\ code\ used\ to\ identify\ cover\ types\ in\ the\ digital\ GIS\ land\ cover\ database^

**^Cover\ name:^**^\ name\ of\ the\ cover\ type,\ sometimes\ the\ common\ name\ of\ the\ dominant\ species^

**^Dominant\ species:^**^\ scientific\ names\ of\ dominant\ species\ making\ up\ the\ cover\ type\ (if\ applicable)^

**^Description:^**^\ may\ include\ thresholds\ for\ determining\ primary\ cover\ type\ (such\ as\ total\ canopy\ coverage\ of\ a\ forest\ type\ must\ be\ greater\ than\ 25%)^

**^Distribution:^**^\ text\ description\ of\ distribution\ in\ Wyoming^

**^Elevation\ range:^**^\ in\ meters\ and\ feet\ (if\ applicable)^

**^Diagnostic\ species:\ ^**^scientific\ names\ of\ species\ which\ the\ cover\ type\ is\ usually\ composed\ of\ (if\ applicable)^

**^Area:^**^\ proportional\ area\ of\ the\ cover\ type\ in\ Wyoming.\ Primary\ area\ is\ where\ the\ cover\ type\ has\ [\>]{.underline}\ 50%\ coverage;\ secondary\ area\ is\ where\ the\ cover\ type\ has\ \<\ 50%\ coverage.\ The\ proportional\ area\ was\ calculated\ by\ multiplying\ the\ area\ of\ the\ primary\ and\ secondary\ cover\ type\ polygons\ by\ the\ percentage\ of\ the\ polygon\ the\ cover\ type\ occupies.\ Because\ the\ area\ was\ calculated\ by\ a\ GIS,\ the\ numbers\ represent\ a\ higher\ accuracy\ than\ actually\ exists\ for\ the\ scale\ at\ which\ the\ data\ was\ produced.\ ^

**^Distribution\ maps:^**^\ see\ the\ land\ cover\ data\ in\ ARC/INFO\ GIS\ format\ and\ associated\ metadata^

**^CODE\ ^**^42001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Spruce-fir^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Picea\ engelmannii,\ Abies\ lasiocarpa^*

**^DESCRIPTION\ ^**^\ Spruce-fir\ forest\ not\ significantly\ affected\ by\ logging.\ Engelmann\ spruce\ and/or\ subalpine\ fir\ must\ be\ dominant\ or\ co-dominant\ in\ the\ canopy\ and\ total\ canopy\ coverage\ by\ all\ tree\ species\ must\ be\ greater\ than\ 25%.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Important\ forest\ type\ in\ the\ mountain\ ranges\ of\ Wyoming\ with\ the\ exception\ of\ the\ Black\ Hills.\ At\ the\ lower\ end\ of\ its\ elevation\ range\ this\ type\ is\ found\ in\ relatively\ cool,\ mesic\ sites\ such\ as\ north-facing\ slopes\ and\ along\ riparian\ corridors\ in\ canyons.\ Can\ be\ mixed\ with\ aspen\ at\ lower\ elevation\ ranges.\ Subalpine\ fir\ tends\ to\ be\ dominant\ at\ lower\ elevations\ with\ Engelmann\ spruce\ gaining\ importance\ towards\ treeline.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1430-3320m\ (4700\'-10,900\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Picea\ engelmannii,\ Abies\ lasiocarpa^*

**^AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 366,501\ ^

^Secondary\ 244,828\ ^

^Total\ 611,329\ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42003^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Douglas\ fir^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pseudotsuga\ menziesii^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Forest\ or\ woodland\ in\ which\ the\ canopy\ is\ dominated\ by\ Douglas\ fir.\ This\ type\ includes\ both\ intact\ Douglas\ fir\ forest\ and\ Douglas\ fir\ forest\ influenced\ by\ logging\ (when\ contiguous\ logged\ areas\ are\ smaller\ than\ 100\ ha).\ Total\ forest\ cover\ must\ be\ greater\ than\ 25%.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Douglas\ fir\ forests\ are\ found\ along\ the\ foothills\ of\ most\ of\ the\ major\ mountain\ ranges\ in\ Wyoming,\ but\ are\ most\ common\ and\ extensive\ in\ the\ northwest.\ These\ forests\ are\ often,\ but\ not\ exclusively,\ associated\ with\ sedimentary\ strata.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1200-2590m\ (4000\'-8500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pseudotsuga\ menziesii^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 297,269\ ^

^Secondary\ 66,060\ ^

^Total\ 363,030\ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42004^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Lodgepole\ pine^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pinus\ contorta^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Forest\ in\ which\ lodgepole\ pine\ dominates\ the\ canopy\ and\ with\ a\ canopy\ closure\ greater\ than\ 25%.\ Engelmann\ spruce\ and\ subalpine\ fir\ may\ be\ mixed\ with\ the\ canopy\ trees\ or\ important\ in\ the\ understory,\ but\ cannot\ be\ the\ dominant\ canopy\ tree\ type.\ Can\ include\ dog-hair\ lodgepole\ stands.\ Logging\ activity\ is\ not\ significant\ in\ this\ type.\ (Logged\ conifer\ is\ a\ separate\ class).^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Widely\ distributed\ montane\ and\ subalpine\ forests\ in\ Wyoming\ with\ the\ exception\ of\ the\ Black\ Hills.\ Found\ in\ most\ other\ Wyoming\ mountain\ ranges.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 2255-2950m\ (7400\'-9700\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pinus\ contorta^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 1,265,966\ ^

^Secondary\ 236,475\ ^

^Total\ 1,502,442\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42007^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Clearcut\ conifer^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pinus\ contorta^*^\ (surrounding\ the\ clearcut\ area\ but\ other\ species\ will\ be\ found\ within\ the\ clearcuts\ proper),\ ^*^Picea\ engelmanii,\ Pinus\ ponderosa,\ Pseudotsuga\ menziesii,\ Abies\ lasiocarpa^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Areas\ within\ conifer\ forest\ that\ are\ significantly\ affected\ by\ logging.\ This\ type\ consists\ of\ clearcut\ areas\ within\ a\ matrix\ of\ conifer\ forests\ and\ as\ such\ is\ a\ mosaic\ of\ standing\ forest\ and\ logged\ areas\ with\ logged\ areas\ covering\ more\ than\ 40%\ of\ the\ total\ ground\ area.\ The\ logged\ areas\ may\ be\ in\ early\ successional\ stages\ but\ are\ not\ classified\ as\ forest\ or\ woodland\ until\ regrowing\ trees\ achieve\ 25%\ canopy\ closure.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Clearcut\ conifer\ occurs\ anywhere\ that\ there\ are\ conifer\ forests\ in\ Wyoming,\ except\ in\ specially\ managed\ areas\ such\ as\ National\ Parks\ and\ Wilderness\ areas.\ Most\ common\ in\ Lodgepole\ pine,\ although\ significant\ logging\ of\ Douglas-fir,\ Spruce-fir\ and\ Ponderosa\ pine\ does\ occur.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 2255-2950m\ (7400\'-9700\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^\ Pinus\ contorta,\ Picea\ engelmannii,\ Pinus\ ponderosa,\ Pseudotsuga\ menziesii,\ Abies\ lasiocarpa^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 73,465\ ^

^Secondary\ 7,420\ ^

^Total\ 80,885\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42008^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Whitebark\ pine\ ^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^\ Pinus\ albicaulis^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Forest\ in\ which\ whitebark\ pine\ dominates\ the\ canopy.\ Total\ canopy\ coverage\ of\ tree\ species\ must\ be\ greater\ than\ 25%.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ in\ the\ western\ mountain\ ranges\ of\ Wyoming,\ including\ the\ Wind\ River,\ Teton,\ Absaroka,\ Gros\ Ventre,\ Owl\ Creek\ and\ Washakie\ ranges\ and\ in\ Yellowstone\ National\ Park.\ Tends\ to\ occur\ on\ dry\ sites\ near\ timberline\ and\ in\ the\ subalpine.\ Rare\ at\ the\ lower\ end\ of\ its\ elevation\ range.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1920-3200m\ (6300\'-10,500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pinus\ albicaulis^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ ^

^Primary\ 56,782\ ^

^Secondary\ 11,676\ ^

^Total\ 68,458\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42009^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Limber\ pine\ woodland\ and\ scrub^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pinus\ flexilis^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Forest\ or\ woodland\ dominated\ by\ limber\ pine.\ This\ type\ includes\ the\ range\ of\ types\ from\ closed\ canopy\ forest\ dominated\ by\ limber\ pine\ to\ open\ limber\ pine\ woodland\ where\ trees\ constitute\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Often\ co-occurs\ with\ juniper\ woodland\ and/or\ with\ shrubs\ or\ grasses\ in\ the\ understory.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ on\ dry\ slopes\ and\ ridges\ in\ central\ and\ southern\ Wyoming\ and\ in\ mountain\ ranges\ throughout\ the\ state\ with\ the\ exception\ of\ the\ Black\ Hills.\ ^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1580-2990m\ (5200\'-9800\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^\ Pinus\ flexilis^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 122,481\ ^

^Secondary\ 73,720\ ^

^Total\ 196,201\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42010^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Ponderosa\ pine^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pinus\ ponderosa^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Forest\ in\ which\ ponderosa\ pine\ dominates\ the\ canopy\ and\ in\ which\ total\ canopy\ closure\ is\ greater\ than\ 25%.\ If\ logged,\ this\ type\ becomes\ part\ of\ the\ logged\ conifer\ type.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ This\ is\ the\ dominant\ forest\ type\ in\ the\ Black\ Hills\ and\ in\ the\ northern\ Laramie\ Range.\ It\ becomes\ more\ scattered\ across\ the\ central\ portion\ of\ the\ state,\ occurring\ on\ the\ flanks\ of\ the\ Bighorn\ Range,\ especially\ on\ the\ eastern\ side,\ and\ on\ ridges\ and\ hard\ rock\ outcrops.\ Rare\ in\ the\ western\ mountains.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1200-2590m\ (4000\'-8500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Pinus\ ponderosa^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 590,615\ ^

^Secondary\ 72,624\ ^

^Total\ 663,239\ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42015^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Juniper\ woodland\ type^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Juniperus\ osteosperma,\ Juniperus\ scopulorum^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Woodland\ dominated\ by\ species\ of\ juniper.\ Woodland\ species\ must\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ This\ type\ includes\ pinon-juniper\ woodlands\ as\ well\ as\ pure\ juniper\ woodlands.\ Often\ occurs\ with\ mountain\ mahogany\ species,\ big\ sagebrush\ and/or\ limber\ pine.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Foothills\ and\ rocky\ outcrops\ in\ all\ of\ Wyoming\ except\ for\ the\ northeast\ corner.\ Often\ forms\ open\ woodlands\ between\ higher\ elevation\ forests\ and\ lower\ elevation\ shrublands\ or\ grasslands.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1090-3010m\ (3500\'-9900\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Juniperus\ osteosperma,\ Juniperus\ scopulorum,\ Pinus\ edulis^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 368,631\ ^

^Secondary\ 124,162\ ^

^Total\ 492,793\ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 42016^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Burned\ conifer^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Various\ (grass\ and\ shrub\ species)^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Areas\ burned\ by\ forest\ fire\ where\ regeneration\ of\ trees\ has\ not\ achieved\ canopy\ closure\ of\ greater\ than\ 25%.\ Vegetation\ may\ be\ comprised\ of\ graminoids,\ shrubs\ or\ tree\ seedlings\ or\ saplings.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ These\ areas\ can\ be\ found\ anywhere\ where\ there\ is\ conifer\ forest\ in\ Wyoming.\ The\ type\ is\ particularly\ common\ in\ lodgepole\ forest,\ and\ is\ most\ likely\ to\ occur\ in\ the\ mountain\ ranges\ of\ the\ state\ and\ in\ Yellowstone\ National\ Park.\ This\ type\ is\ common\ and\ extensive\ in\ Yellowstone\ as\ a\ result\ of\ the\ 1988\ fires.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1430-3320m\ (4700-10,900\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ various^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 217,138\ ^

^Secondary\ 11,193\ ^

^Total\ 228,331\ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 41001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Aspen\ forest^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Populus\ tremuloides^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Forest\ in\ which\ aspen\ dominates\ the\ canopy.\ Includes\ pure\ aspen\ forest\ and\ mixed\ conifer/aspen\ forest\ where\ aspen\ occupies\ more\ than\ 50%\ of\ the\ total\ canopy.\ Total\ canopy\ cover\ by\ trees\ must\ be\ greater\ than\ 25%.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Aspen\ forest\ occurs\ in\ mountain\ foothills\ and\ in\ high\ valleys\ throughout\ Wyoming\ wherever\ the\ environment\ is\ sufficiently\ mesic.\ Aspen\ can\ also\ be\ found\ in\ riparian\ zones\ in\ foothills.\ Aspen\ forest\ is\ extensive\ in\ northwest\ Wyoming\ and\ on\ the\ western\ side\ of\ the\ Sierra\ Madre\ mountains.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1390-3210m\ (4500\'-10,500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^\ Populus\ tremuloides^*

**^AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ ^

^Primary\ 215,532\ ^

^Secondary\ 111,302\ ^

^Total\ 326,835\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 41002^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Bur\ oak\ woodland\ type^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Quercus\ macrocarpa^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Forest\ or\ woodland\ in\ which\ bur\ oak\ dominates\ the\ canopy.\ Includes\ the\ full\ range\ from\ closed\ canopy,\ bur\ oak\ dominated\ forest\ to\ bur\ oak\ dominated\ woodland\ in\ which\ trees\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Can\ co-occur\ with\ other\ tree\ species\ (i.e.\ ponderosa\ pine)\ when\ bur\ oak\ occupies\ more\ than\ 50%\ of\ the\ total\ canopy\ cover.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Restricted\ to\ the\ Black\ Hills\ area\ in\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1240-2010m\ (4000\'-6600\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Quercus\ macrocarpa^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 6,524\ ^

^Secondary\ 20,238\ ^

^Total\ 26,762\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 61001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Forest\ dominated\ riparian\ type^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Populus\ deltoides,\ Populus\ angustifolia,\ Populus\ tremuloides,\ Acer\ negundo,\ ^*^conifer\ species^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Riparian\ zones\ in\ which\ tree\ species\ dominate\ the\ vegetation\ of\ the\ riparian\ corridor.\ In\ Wyoming,\ these\ are\ usually\ cottonwood\ species,\ but\ can\ also\ be\ aspen,\ boxelder,\ or\ a\ variety\ of\ conifer\ species.\ Trees\ must\ occupy\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ vegetative\ cover\ within\ the\ riparian\ zone.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ throughout\ Wyoming,\ from\ basins\ to\ treeline.\ In\ basins,\ larger\ drainages\ often\ support\ trees\ while\ smaller\ drainages\ support\ shrubs\ and\ grass,\ but\ this\ is\ not\ a\ rule.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 950-3200m\ (3100\'-10,500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^\ Populus\ deltoides,\ Populus\ angustifolia,\ Populus\ tremuloides,\ Acer\ negundo,\ ^*^conifer\ species^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ ^

^Primary\ 223,213\ ^

^Secondary\ 73,554\ ^

^Total\ 296,767\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 32001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Mesic\ upland\ shrub\ type^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Acer\ glabrum,\ Acer\ grandidentatum,\ Amelanchier\ alnifolia,\ Prunus\ virginiana,\ Symphoricarpos\ oreophilus,\ Ribes\ cereum^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ is\ a\ \"catch-all\"\ class\ which\ includes\ a\ variety\ of\ shrub\ communities\ that\ grow\ in\ relatively\ mesic\ sites\ in\ Wyoming,\ often\ in\ snow\ catchments\ or\ downslope\ from\ catchments\ or\ in\ ravines\ over\ a\ wide\ range\ of\ elevation.\ Most\ often\ Rocky\ Mountain\ maple,\ bigtooth\ maple,\ serviceberry,\ snowberry,\ wax\ currant\ and/or\ chokecherry\ are\ dominant\ or\ co-dominant,\ but\ other\ shrub\ species\ can\ be\ present.\ Mountain\ mahogany\ species\ cannot\ be\ dominant.\ Mesic\ shrubs\ must\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Mesic\ upland\ shrub\ communities\ are\ found\ in\ foothill\ locations\ and\ in\ mesic\ microenvironments\ throughout\ Wyoming.\ ^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1270-2910m\ (4100\'-9600\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Acer\ glabrum,\ Acer\ grandidentatum,\ Amelanchier\ alnifolia,\ Prunus\ virginiana,\ Ribes\ cereum,\ Symphoricarpos\ oreophilus^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 17,586\ ^

^Secondary\ 40,117\ ^

^Total\ 57,703\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 32002^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Xeric\ upland\ shrub\ type^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Cercocarpus\ ledifolius,\ Cercocarpus\ montanus^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Shrub\ community\ with\ shrub\ cover\ dominated\ by\ species\ of\ mountain\ mahogany.\ Shrub\ species\ must\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Xeric\ upland\ shrub\ communities\ are\ found\ throughout\ Wyoming\ at\ mid-elevations\ in\ shallow\ soils.\ These\ communities\ usually\ occur\ on\ dry\ slopes\ or\ flats\ where\ bedrock\ is\ very\ close\ to\ the\ surface\ or\ outcropping.\ Often\ found\ along\ canyon\ walls\ around\ the\ margins\ of\ mountain\ ranges\ or\ on\ surfaces\ formed\ by\ tilted\ sedimentary\ strata.\ Edaphic\ factors\ are\ probably\ the\ most\ important\ in\ controlling\ the\ ^**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ of\ this\ type.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1500-2700m\ (4900\'-8900\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Cercocarpus\ ledifolius,\ Cercocarpus\ montanus^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 136,938\ ^

^Secondary\ 47,053^

^Total\ 184,993\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 32005^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Bitterbrush\ shrub\ steppe^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Purshia\ tridentata^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Communities\ in\ which\ bitterbrush\ is\ the\ dominant\ or\ co-dominant\ shrub\ type,\ and\ in\ which\ shrubs\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Often\ Artemisia\ tridentata\ is\ co-dominant,\ but\ if\ there\ is\ a\ significant\ proportion\ of\ bitterbrush\ the\ community\ is\ classified\ as\ bitterbrush\ shrub\ steppe\ because\ of\ the\ importance\ of\ this\ type\ as\ a\ browse\ species.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ on\ rocky\ outcrops\ of\ high\ elevation\ sagebrush\ steppe\ and\ in\ the\ lower\ foothills\ zone\ of\ many\ mountain\ ranges\ in\ Wyoming,\ for\ example\ on\ moderately\ steep\ slopes\ of\ the\ eastern\ flank\ of\ the\ Wind\ River\ Range\ and\ in\ southern\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1800-2590\ m\ (6000\'-8500\')\ (Wind\ River\ Range)^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Purshia\ tridentata^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 1,474^

^Secondary\ 1,067^

^Total\ 2,541^

**^CODE^**^\ 32006^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Mountain\ big\ sagebrush^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Artemisia\ tridentata^*^\ ssp.\ ^*^vaseyana^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ shrub\ type\ is\ dominated\ by\ mountain\ big\ sagebrush.\ Often\ found\ with\ mixed\ grasses.\ Mountain\ big\ sagebrush\ must\ be\ the\ dominant\ shrub\ and\ total\ shrub\ cover\ must\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Sometimes\ occurs\ as\ patches\ of\ dense\ sagebrush\ with\ patches\ of\ mixed\ grasses.\ In\ this\ case,\ the\ sagebrush\ patches\ must\ comprise\ more\ than\ 50%\ of\ the\ total\ landscape\ area.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ This\ type\ is\ widespread\ in\ the\ mountain\ ranges\ and\ higher\ valleys\ of\ Wyoming\ (Jones\ 1991)\ and\ is\ found\ throughout\ the\ state\ except\ east\ of\ the\ Laramie\ Range.\ Occupies\ cooler\ sites\ than\ Basin\ big\ sagebrush\ and\ more\ mesic\ sites\ than\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush.\ Often\ occurs\ in\ mountain\ parks\ and\ intermixed\ with\ trees\ and\ at\ the\ lower\ margin\ of\ treeline.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 2100-2900m\ (7000\'-9500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Artemisia\ tridentata^*^\ ssp.\ ^*^vaseyana^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 680,214^

^Secondary\ 166,378^

^Total\ 846,592^

**^CODE^**^\ 32007^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^\ Artemisia\ tridentata^*^\ ssp.\ ^*^wyomingensis^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ is\ a\ shrub\ steppe\ type\ with\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush\ the\ dominant\ shrub\ and\ with\ total\ shrub\ cover\ comprising\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ This\ type\ is\ variable\ in\ Wyoming\ and\ includes\ the\ full\ range\ from\ dense,\ homogeneous\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush\ to\ sparsely\ vegetated\ arid\ areas\ where\ Wyoming\ big\ sage\ is\ the\ dominant\ shrub.\ Often,\ patches\ of\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush\ are\ found\ with\ patches\ of\ mixed\ grasses.\ In\ these\ cases\ the\ type\ is\ classified\ as\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush\ steppe\ if\ the\ sagebrush\ patches\ occupy\ more\ than\ 50%\ of\ the\ total\ landscape\ area\ and\ as\ mixed\ grass\ if\ the\ grasses\ occupy\ more\ than\ 50%\ of\ the\ total\ area.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ throughout\ most\ of\ the\ state\ with\ the\ exception\ of\ the\ extreme\ southeast\ corner.\ Often\ rolling\ landscapes\ may\ feature\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush\ dominating\ broad\ slopes\ but\ with\ Artemisia\ filifolia\ or\ various\ cushion\ plants\ on\ wind-swept\ ridges\ and\ knolls,\ and\ with\ mountain\ big\ sagebrush\ in\ hollows.\ These\ landscapes\ are\ complex\ mixtures\ of\ several\ sage-dominated\ types\ but\ when\ dominated\ by\ Wyoming\ big\ sage\ they\ are\ classified\ as\ this\ type.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1030-3410m\ (3300\'-11,200\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Artemisia\ tridentata^*^\ ssp.\ ^*^wyomingensis,\ Artemisia\ filifolia^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 6,416,079\ ^

^Secondary\ 1,148,160^

^Total\ 7,564,239\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 32008^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Black\ sagebrush\ steppe^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^\ Artemisia\ nova^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Black\ sagebrush\ is\ the\ dominant\ shrub\ and\ total\ shrub\ cover\ comprises\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Often\ mixed\ with\ grasses\ and\ with\ Wyoming\ big\ sagebrush.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Typically\ found\ in\ shallow\ soils,\ especially\ over\ bedding\ planes\ of\ sedimentary\ rock.\ ^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1400-2400m\ (4600\'-7900\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Artemisia\ nova^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 31,825^

^Secondary\ 9,255^

^Total\ 41,080^

**^CODE^**^\ 32009^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Basin\ big\ sagebrush^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Artemisia\ tridentata^*^\ ssp.\ ^*^tridentata^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Shrubland\ with\ basin\ big\ sagebrush\ dominating\ the\ shrub\ cover\ and\ total\ shrub\ cover\ comprising\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Often\ mixed\ with\ grasses.\ When\ found\ in\ riparian\ areas,\ primary\ vegetation\ is\ classified\ as\ shrub\ riparian\ and\ secondary\ as\ big\ sagebrush\ shrubland.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ at\ lower\ elevations\ in\ western\ half\ of\ state\ and\ in\ riparian\ areas\ or\ hollows\ where\ deep,\ well-drained\ soils\ are\ found.\ Also\ found\ in\ areas\ where\ runoff\ is\ concentrated,\ such\ as\ at\ the\ base\ of\ granite\ domes\ in\ central\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1200-2150m\ (4000\'-7000\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Artemisia\ tridentata^*^\ ssp.\ ^*^tridentata^*^\ ^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 44^

^Secondary\ 1,651^

^Total\ 1,695^

**^CODE^**^\ 32010^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Desert\ shrub^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Atriplex\ confertifolia,\ Atriplex\ gardneri,\ Sarcobatus\ vermiculatus,\ Aster\ brachyactis^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ is\ a\ \"catch-all\"\ for\ a\ mixture\ of\ shrubs\ occurring\ in\ dry,\ saline\ habitats.\ Shrub\ cover\ is\ often\ dominated\ by\ Atriplex\ confertifolia\ but\ can\ be\ a\ mixture\ of\ Gardner\'s\ saltbush,\ black\ greasewood\ and/or\ desert\ cushion\ plants.\ When\ ground\ cover\ is\ pure\ Atriplex\ gardneri\ or\ pure\ Sarcobatus\ vermiculatus\ it\ is\ classified\ as\ such\ but\ when\ these\ species\ are\ mixed\ and\ dominance\ is\ unclear\ it\ is\ classified\ as\ desert\ shrub.\ This\ type\ also\ includes\ some\ cushion\ plant\ communities\ found\ in\ Wyoming\ basins.\ Total\ shrub\ cover\ must\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Usually\ found\ in\ flats\ and\ fans\ in\ the\ central\ and\ western\ basins\ of\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 970-2580m\ (3100\'-8500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Atriplex\ confertifolia,\ Atriplex\ gardneri,\ Sarcobatus\ vermiculatus,\ Aster\ brachyactis^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 685,179^

^Secondary\ 312,278^

^Total\ 997,457^

**^CODE^**^\ 32011^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Saltbush\ fans\ and\ flats^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Atriplex\ gardneri^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Areas\ where\ Gardner\'s\ saltbush\ comprises\ more\ than\ 75%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ These\ relatively\ pure\ saltbush\ stands\ are\ often\ sparsely\ vegetated\ with\ bare\ soil\ constituting\ most\ of\ the\ land\ surface.\ Can\ be\ mixed\ with\ some\ grasses\ or\ other\ shrub\ species\ if\ these\ comprise\ less\ than\ 25%\ of\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Typically\ found\ on\ saline\ flats\ or\ fans\ at\ the\ bottoms\ of\ western\ and\ central\ basins\ but\ can\ also\ occur\ on\ rapidly\ eroding\ slopes\ of\ soft\ marine\ shales.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1900-2200m\ (6200\'-7200\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Atriplex\ gardneri^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 622,059^

^Secondary\ 43,105^

^Total\ 665,163^

**^CODE^**^\ 32012^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Greasewood\ fans\ and\ flats^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Sarcobatus\ vermiculatus^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Areas\ where\ greasewood\ comprises\ more\ than\ 75%\ of\ the\ total\ shrub\ cover\ and\ where\ shrubs\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Often\ mixed\ with\ grasses.\ Greasewood\ is\ frequently\ found\ in\ riparian\ areas\ and\ classified\ as\ shrub\ riparian\ with\ the\ greasewood\ type\ entered\ as\ a\ secondary\ vegetation\ type\ within\ the\ polygon.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Generally\ found\ along\ streams\ at\ low\ to\ medium\ elevations\ although\ it\ can\ occur\ on\ fine\ textured,\ saline\ upland\ areas\ and\ on\ basin\ fans\ and\ flats.\ ^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1080-2450m\ (3500\'-8000\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Sarcobatus\ vermiculatus^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 253,280^

^Secondary\ 115,103^

^Total\ 368,383^

**^CODE^**^\ 32013^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Vegetated\ dunes^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Artemisia\ cana,\ Chrysothamnus\ nauseosus,\ Chrysothamnus\ viscidiflorus,\ Psoralea\ lanceolata,\ Oryzopsis\ hymenoides^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ includes\ stabilized\ sand\ dune\ communities.\ Most\ of\ the\ land\ surface\ is\ comprised\ of\ old\ dune\ deposits\ with\ dune\ stabilizing\ species\ such\ as\ Indian\ ricegrass,\ Psoralea\ lanceolata,\ and\ rabbitbrush\ present\ along\ with\ Artemisia\ species.\ Some\ patches\ of\ bare\ sand\ may\ be\ present\ but\ these\ do\ not\ dominate\ the\ landscape.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Stabilized\ dunes\ can\ be\ found\ throughout\ Wyoming\ in\ basins,\ but\ are\ most\ common\ along\ a\ path\ across\ the\ central\ Great\ Divide\ Basin\ to\ near\ Casper.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1570-2240m\ (5100\'-7400\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Bare\ sand,\ ^*^Psamments,\ Artemisia\ cana,\ Chrysothamnus\ nauseosus,\ Chrysothamnus\ viscidiflores,\ Psoralea\ lanceolata,\ Oryzopsis\ hymenoides,\ Redfieldia\ flexuosa^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 29,159^

^Secondary\ 12,762^

^Total\ 41,921^

**^CODE^**^\ 71001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Unvegetated\ playa^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ None\ (bare\ saline\ soil)^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ includes\ bare\ saline\ playa\ areas,\ mud\ flats,\ shorelines,\ sand\ beaches\ and\ gravel\ bars.\ Very\ sparse,\ salt-tolerant\ vegetation\ such\ as\ Salicornia\ rubra\ may\ be\ present\ around\ margins.\ Total\ vegetative\ cover\ is\ less\ than\ 10%.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ in\ the\ bottoms\ of\ central\ and\ western\ basins.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1890-2150m\ (6200\'-7100\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Salicornia\ rubra,\ Sarcobatus\ vermiculatus^*^\ (around\ margins)^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 6,030^

^Secondary\ 6,584^

^Total\ 12,614^

**^CODE^**^\ 62001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Shrub-dominated\ riparian^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Any\ shrub-dominant\ riparian\ zone^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Riparian\ zones\ where\ shrubs\ comprise\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ vegetative\ cover\ and\ where\ trees\ occupy\ less\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Shrubs\ often\ include\ willow\ species,\ Artemisia\ species\ and/or\ greasewood\ but\ other\ shrubs\ (e.g.\ hawthorn,\ wild\ plum,\ birch,\ alder,\ tamarisk,\ shrubby\ cinquefoil)\ may\ be\ present\ or\ dominant.\ Includes\ alpine\ riparian\ zones\ dominated\ by\ Salix\ species\ or\ other\ shrubs.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ throughout\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 950-3650m\ (3100\'-12,000\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Salix^*^\ spp.,\ ^*^Artemisia^*^\ spp.,\ ^*^Sarcobatus\ vermiculatus^*

**^AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 227,097^

^Secondary\ 72,142^

^Total\ 299,239^

**^CODE^**^\ 82001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Alpine\ tundra^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Dominance\ various^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ includes\ graminoid\ and\ forb\ dominated\ vegetation\ that\ occurs\ above\ upper\ treeline\ in\ the\ alpine\ zone.\ Common\ species\ include\ bent\ grasses,\ sheep\ fescue,\ icegrass,\ alpine\ mosses,\ lichen,\ silene,\ avens,\ sundivort\ and\ forget-me-not.\ Trees\ or\ shrubs\ cannot\ occupy\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ above\ treeline\ in\ high\ mountains\ of\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ \>2990m\ (9800\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Achillea\ millefolium,\ Agropyron\ trachycaulum,\ Aster\ alpegenus,\ Besseya\ wyomingensis,\ Campanula\ rotundifolia,\ Castilleja\ rhexifolia,\ Danthonia\ intermedia,\ Deschampsia\ caespitosa,\ Festuca\ spp.,\ Gentiana\ tenella,\ Juncus\ drummondii,\ Lloydia\ serotina,\ Pedicularis\ parryi,\ Phacelia\ sericea,\ Phleum\ alpinum,\ Polygonum\ bistortoides,\ Potentilla\ diversifolia,\ Primula\ parryi,\ Salix\ planifolia,\ Trisetum\ spicatum^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 61,885^

^Secondary\ 30,230^

^Total\ 92,115^

**^CODE^**^\ 82002^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Subalpine\ meadow^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ A\ variety\ of\ species\ can\ be\ dominant\ or\ co-dominant\ (see\ Diagnostic\ Species\ below)^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Graminoid\ and\ forb\ dominated\ type\ occurring\ within\ and\ below\ upper\ treeline.\ Often\ found\ in\ mountain\ park\ situations.\ Trees\ or\ shrubs\ cannot\ occupy\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ in\ all\ higher\ mountain\ ranges\ of\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1430-2990m\ (4690\'-9800\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Polygonum\ bistortoides,\ Agrostis\ thurberiana,\ Lewisia\ pygmaea,\ Juncus\ drummondii,\ Phleum\ alpinum,\ Poa\ reflexa,\ Veronica\ wormskjoldii,\ Arnica\ mollis,\ Elymus\ trachicaulis,\ Trisetum\ spicatum,\ Deschampsia\ caespitosa,\ Danthonia\ ^*^spp.^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 543,431\ ^

^Secondary\ 162,938\ ^

^Total\ 706,369\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 31001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Mixed\ grass\ prairie^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Agropyron\ smithii,\ Bouteloua\ gracilis,\ Stipa\ comata,\ Carex\ filifolia,\ Poa\ sandbergii,\ Koeleria\ cristata,\ Chrysothamnus\ viscidiflores,\ Eurotia\ lanata,\ Tetradymia\ caespitosa,\ Opuntia\ polyacantha,\ Oryzopsis\ hymenoides^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ is\ a\ \"catch-all\"\ type\ for\ grasslands\ that\ contain\ a\ mixture\ of\ short\ grass\ and\ tall\ grass\ prairie\ species.\ These\ grasslands\ do\ not\ contain\ buffalo\ grass,\ considered\ an\ indicator\ of\ short\ grass\ prairie.\ Often\ occurs\ in\ patches\ intermixed\ with\ shrub\ species\ (i.e.\ Artemisia\ tridentata).\ When\ patchy,\ grass\ patches\ must\ occupy\ more\ than\ 50%\ of\ the\ landscape\ for\ the\ primary\ vegetation\ type\ to\ be\ classified\ as\ mixed\ grass.\ The\ vegetation\ may\ contain\ or\ be\ dominated\ by\ silver\ sagebrush.\ With\ the\ exception\ of\ silver\ sagebrush,\ trees\ or\ shrubs\ cannot\ occupy\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ at\ lower\ elevations\ in\ the\ Laramie\ Basin,\ in\ scattered\ patches\ in\ the\ Shirley\ and\ Powder\ River\ Basins,\ and\ east\ of\ the\ Laramie\ range.\ ^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 970-3140m\ (3200\'-10,300\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Agropyron\ smithii,\ Bouteloua\ gracilis,\ Artemisia\ cana,\ Eurotia\ lanata,\ Stipa\ comata,\ Carex\ filifolia,\ Poa\ sandbergii,\ Koeleria\ cristata,\ Chrysothamnus\ viscidiflores,\ Tetradymia\ caespitosa,\ Opuntia\ polyacantha,\ Oryzopsis\ hymenoides^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 3,395,225\ ^

^Secondary\ 1,555,178\ ^

^Total\ 4,950,403\ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 31002^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Short\ grass\ prairie^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Bouteloua\ gracilis,\ Buchloe\ dactyloides,\ Agropyron\ smithii,\ Stipa\ comata^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ graminoid\ type\ is\ dominated\ by\ short\ grass\ prairie\ species\ and\ buffalograss\ is\ considered\ an\ indicator.\ Buffalograss\ must\ be\ present\ for\ a\ grassland\ to\ be\ mapped\ as\ this\ type.\ This\ type\ usually\ consists\ of\ a\ short-grass\ understory\ of\ Buffalograss\ and\ blue\ grama\ and\ an\ overstory\ of\ western\ wheatgrass,\ needle\ and\ thread\ grass\ or\ other\ mixed\ grass\ species.\ Total\ cover\ of\ trees\ or\ shrubs\ cannot\ exceed\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ This\ grassland\ type\ occurs\ only\ in\ the\ extreme\ southeastern\ corner\ of\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1570-2060m\ (5100\'-6800\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Buchloe\ dactyloides^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 9,633\ ^

^Secondary\ 1,072\ ^

^Total\ 10,705\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 31003^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Great\ Basin\ foothills\ grassland^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Agropyron\ spicatum,\ Balsamorhiza\ sagittata,\ Lupinus\ argenteus,\ Festuca\ idahoensis,\ Leucopoa\ kingii,\ Geranium\ richardsonii,\ Geum\ triflorum^*

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ A\ mesic\ grass-forb\ mixture\ found\ in\ the\ northwest\ corner\ of\ the\ state.\ Total\ shrub\ or\ tree\ cover\ cannot\ exceed\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Related\ to\ \"Palouse\ Prairie\".\ Significant\ lupine\ and\ arrowleaf\ balsamroot\ component.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Foothills\ of\ northwestern\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1730-3190m\ (5600\'-10,500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Festuca\ idahoensis,\ Lupinus^*^\ spp.,\ ^*^Balsamorhiza^*^\ spp.\ ^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ ^

^Primary\ 15,378\ ^

^Secondary\ 1,222\ ^

^Total\ 16,600\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 62002^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Grass-dominated\ wetland^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ various\ (see\ Diagnostic\ Species\ below)\ ^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ includes\ any\ non-riverine\ wetland\ with\ vegetation\ dominated\ by\ grasses\ or\ forbs.\ Trees\ or\ shrubs\ cannot\ occupy\ more\ than\ 25%\ of\ the\ total\ vegetative\ cover.\ Includes\ communities\ such\ as\ wet\ and\ moist\ meadow\ grasslands,\ marsh\ and\ swamp\ wetlands,\ cattail,\ bullrush\ and\ sedge\ dominated\ wetlands\ and\ inland\ saltgrass/alkali\ sacaton\ dominated\ wetlands.\ Includes\ both\ low\ and\ high\ salinity\ wetlands.\ Low\ salinity\ wetlands\ are\ characterized\ by\ Typha\ spp.,\ Juncus\ balticus,\ Carex\ spp.,\ and\ Spartina\ pectinatus.\ High\ salinity\ wetlands\ are\ characterized\ by\ Sporabolus\ airoides,\ Spartina\ gracilis,\ Distichlis\ stricta,\ Suaeda\ depressa,\ Elymus\ spp.\ and\ Agropyron\ ssp.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ This\ type\ is\ found\ throughout\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1100-2850m\ (3600\'-9400\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Sporobolus\ airoides,\ Typha^*^\ spp.,\ ^*^Distichlis\ stricta,\ Juncus\ balticus,\ Spartina\ gracilis\ ^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 9,748\ ^

^Secondary\ 3,532\ ^

^Total\ 13,280\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 62003^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Grass-dominated\ riparian^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ various\ (see\ Diagnostic\ Species\ below)^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Any\ riverine\ wetland\ with\ vegetation\ dominated\ by\ graminoids\ or\ forbs.\ Must\ not\ have\ more\ than\ 25%\ shrub\ or\ tree\ cover.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ throughout\ Wyoming\ from\ basins\ to\ the\ alpine.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 950-3810m\ (3125\'-12,500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Calamogrostis\ canadensis,\ Phalaris\ arundinacea,\ Carex\ ^*^spp^*^.,\ Elymus\ cinereus,\ Glyceria^*^\ spp.\ and\ ^*^Juncus^*^\ spp.^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 54,276\ ^

^Secondary\ 10,740\ ^

^Total\ 65,016\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 52001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Open\ water^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Any\ area\ of\ open\ water\ with\ area\ greater\ than\ 40\ hectares.\ Includes\ lakes\ and\ reservoirs.\ Rivers\ are\ classified\ as\ one\ of\ the\ three\ riparian\ types\ and\ are\ not\ included\ in\ this\ type.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Can\ occur\ anywhere\ in\ Wyoming,\ from\ low\ basins\ to\ high\ alpine\ areas.\ ^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 900-3850m\ (3000\'-12,500\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 136,777\ ^

^Secondary\ 3,852\ ^

^Total\ 140,629\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 21001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Dry-land\ crops^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Small\ grains,\ wheat,\ barley,\ rye,\ ^*^Agropyron^*^\ cristatum,\ ^*^Elymus^*^\ species,\ any\ non-irrigated\ crop^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ includes\ non-irrigated\ cropland,\ dryland\ improved\ pastures,\ fallow\ lands,\ rural\ development,\ ranch\ and\ farm\ facilities\ and\ shelter\ belts.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Can\ occur\ throughout\ Wyoming,\ especially\ in\ basins.\ Most\ extensive\ in\ the\ eastern\ third\ of\ the\ state.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 970-2730m\ (3200\'-9000\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Small\ grains,\ wheat,\ barley,\ rye,\ ^*^Agropyron\ cristatum^*^,\ ^*^Elymus^*^\ species,\ any\ non-irrigated\ crop\ or\ pasture^

**^AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 552,181\ ^

^Secondary\ 195,163\ ^

^Total\ 747,344\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 21002^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Irrigated\ crop^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Row\ crops,\ corn,\ beans,\ potatoes,\ beets,\ sunflower,\ alfalfa,\ irrigated\ hayfield\ or\ pasture^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Any\ irrigated\ agricultural\ area.\ Includes\ most\ row\ crops,\ irrigated\ pastureland\ and\ hayfields\ and\ associated\ farm\ or\ ranch\ facilities\ and\ shelter\ belts.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Throughout\ the\ state\ near\ riparian\ zones\ and\ on\ alluvial\ plains\ of\ lowlands.\ Especially\ extensive\ in\ eastern\ third\ of\ the\ state.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 970-2930m\ (3200\'-9600\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Row\ crops,\ corn,\ beans,\ potatoes,\ beets,\ sunflower,\ alfalfa,\ irrigated\ hayfields\ and\ pastures^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 905,493\ ^

^Secondary\ 125,191\ ^

^Total\ 1,030,684\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 11001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Human\ settlements^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Towns\ and\ cities\ occupying\ of\ greater\ than\ 100\ hectares.\ Also\ can\ include\ residential\ areas\ on\ the\ outskirts\ of\ towns\ and\ cities.\ Often\ includes\ significant\ tree\ cover,\ especially\ by\ cottonwood\ species.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Can\ occur\ anywhere\ in\ Wyoming,\ except\ late\ at\ night\ when\ the\ gas\ gauge\ is\ on\ empty.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1100-2250m\ (3600\'-7400\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ ^*^Populus\ deltoides,\ Populus\ angustifolia^*

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 60,942\ ^

^Secondary\ 10,812\ ^

^Total\ 71,754\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 73001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Active\ sand\ dunes^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ None\ (bare\ sand)^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ includes\ unvegetated\ sand\ dunes\ where\ vegetative\ cover\ is\ less\ than\ 10%.\ Sand\ is\ often\ actively\ redistributed\ by\ wind.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Dunes\ can\ be\ found\ in\ many\ Wyoming\ Basins\ but\ are\ most\ common\ along\ a\ path\ from\ western\ Wyoming,\ across\ the\ central\ Great\ Divide\ Basin\ to\ the\ Casper\ vicinity.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 2010-2470m\ (6600\'-8100\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ None^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 15,068\ ^

^Secondary\ 395\ ^

^Total\ 15,463\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 74001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Basin\ bare\ rock\ and\ soil\ ^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ basin\ type\ includes\ naturally\ occurring\ areas\ of\ bare\ rock\ and\ soil\ such\ as\ cliffs,\ spires,\ rock\ outcrops\ and\ talus\ fields\ as\ well\ as\ steep\ scarps\ of\ soft\ rock\ with\ total\ vegetative\ cover\ less\ than\ 15%.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ This\ type\ can\ be\ found\ in\ any\ of\ the\ Wyoming\ basins.\ ^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1150-2870m\ (3700\'-9400\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable\ ^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 249,662\ ^

^Secondary\ 165,435\ ^

^Total\ 415,097\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 74002^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Alpine\ bare\ rock\ and\ soil^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Areas\ of\ bare\ rock\ or\ soil\ including\ cliffs,\ spires,\ and\ talus\ fields\ occurring\ in\ the\ mountain\ ranges\ of\ Wyoming.\ ^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ in\ all\ of\ the\ Wyoming\ mountains.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 1720-4190m\ (5600\'-13,800\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable\ ^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ ^

^Primary\ 210,400\ ^

^Secondary\ 57,735\ ^

^Total\ 268,135\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 75001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Mining\ operations\ (and\ other\ bare\ ground\ disturbance)^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ This\ type\ includes\ active\ and\ unreclaimed\ mine\ sites,\ strip\ mines,\ associated\ development,\ drainage\ ponds,\ etc.,\ and\ areas\ of\ oil\ and\ gas\ development\ where\ the\ vegetation\ has\ been\ removed\ or\ damaged\ over\ areas\ larger\ than\ 100\ hectares.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Mostly\ in\ the\ basin\ areas\ throughout\ the\ state.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ 970-2620m\ (3200\'-8600\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^\ AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 42,269\ ^

^Secondary\ 7,918\ ^

^Total\ 50,187\ \ ^

**^CODE^**^\ 91001^

**^COVER\ NAME^**^\ Permanent\ snow^

**^DOMINANT\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^DESCRIPTION^**^\ Glaciers\ or\ snowfields\ that\ are\ present\ all\ year\ or\ that\ melt\ for\ too\ short\ a\ time\ to\ allow\ vegetation\ to\ become\ established.^

**^DISTRIBUTION^**^\ Found\ in\ all\ of\ the\ major\ mountain\ ranges\ of\ Wyoming.^

**^ELEVATION\ RANGE^**^\ \>3600m\ (12,000\')^

**^DIAGNOSTIC\ SPECIES^**^\ Not\ applicable^

**^AREA^**^\ [hectares]{.underline}\ \ \ ^

^Primary\ 1,829\ ^

^Secondary\ 1,824\ ^

^Total\ 3,653\ \ ^