2.3.4.1.1. Standard One: Upland Sites

LH-1. Upland soils exhibit infiltration, permeability, and erosion rates that are appropriate to soil type, climate, and landform (ecological site).

Criteria for Meeting Standard One

Soil conditions support the proper functioning of hydrologic, energy, and nutrient cycles. Many factors interact to maintain stable soils and healthy soil conditions, including suitable amounts of vegetation cover, litter, and soil porosity and organic matter. Under proper functioning conditions, rates of soil loss and infiltration are consistent with the site’s potential.

Ground cover in the form of plants, litter, or rock is present in pattern, kind, and amount sufficient to prevent accelerated erosion for the ecological site; or ground cover is increasing as determined by monitoring over an established period of time.

Signs of accelerated erosion are minimal or diminishing for the ecological site as determined by monitoring over an established period of time. As indicated by such factors as:

ground cover,
litter,
live vegetation (e.g., grass, shrubs, trees) amount and type,
rock ,
signs of erosion,
flow pattern,
gullies, and
rills and plant pedestaling.

Exceptions and exemptions (where applicable):

None.