Wetlands.  Wetlands are identified on the vegetation map in the vicinity of the Big Lost River sinks.  These areas are periodically flooded during years of high precipitation (see Hydrography).  Part of this area was a cattail (Typha latifolia) marsh in the early to mid 1980’s.  The dominant species over much of the area is common spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris).  Western wheatgrass becomes more common toward the margins as the wetlands grade into grasslands.  Species diversity of these wetlands is very low.

Playas, Bare Ground, Disturbed Areas.  These areas typically have a high proportion of exposed soil as a consequence of past disturbance or periodic flooding.  Some are dominated by the exotic annual summer cypress (Kochia scoparia);  poverty-weed (Iva axillaris), Russian thistle (Salsola kali) and verbena (Verbena bracteata) are common.  Perennial plants are virtually absent from these communities.

Russian thistle dominates other areas within this class.  Summer cypress and poverty-weed are common, as is the native shrub, four-wing saltbush.  Thick-spiked wheatgrass usually is present.  Some areas south of the Radioactive Waste Management Complex are dominated by foxtail (Hordeum jubatum).

This class also includes gravel/borrow pits and gravel covered areas associated with roads and facilities.

Lava.  The spectral signature of this class is dominated by exposed lava.  The most extensive areas in the class are the recent lava flow south of the INEEL Main Gate and on the slopes of Middle Butte.  Smaller patches are found throughout the large area generally classified as “Sagebrush Steppe on Lava.”  Vascular plants are sparse on these areas.  The most common species are basin big sagebrush, gray rabbitbrush, and fern-bush (Chamaebatiaria millefolia).  An individual Utah juniper or Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) occurs on some outcrops.