Physiographic features

This site occurs in poorly drained depressions and shallow basins on uplands – typically on sedimentary plans, but some may also occur on areas of glacial till. The parent material is local alluvium. Slope is less than 1 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 54 is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of the MLRA. The continental climate is the result of this MLRA’s location in the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains, so air masses move unobstructed across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.

Annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 18 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 42° F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 13° F (Beach, ND) to about 16° F (Bison, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 69° F (Beach, ND) to about 72° F (Timber Lake, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 57° F. This large temperature range attests to the continental nature of MLRA 54’s climate. Wind speeds average about 11 miles per hour, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime wind speeds are generally stronger than nighttime wind speeds, and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.

Growth of native cool-season plants begins in late March and continues through early to mid-July. Native warm-season plants begin growth in mid-May and continue to the end of August. Greening up of cool-season plants can occur again in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

• (1) FT YATES 4 SW [USC00323207], Fort Yates, ND

• (2) DUPREE [USC00392429], Dupree, SD

• (3) HETTINGER [USC00324178], Hettinger, ND

• (4) WATFORD CITY [USC00329233], Watford City, ND

• (5) MANDAN EXP STN [USC00325479], Mandan, ND

• (6) LUDLOW 3 SSE [USC00395048], Ludlow, SD

• (7) HEBRON [USC00324102], Hebron, ND

Influencing water features

This site is poorly drained. Areas of this site receive additional water as surface runoff from adjacent uplands. Under average climatic conditions, the soils are frequently ponded in April and May and occasionally or frequently ponded in June. Depth of ponding typically is less than 1.5 feet during these months. In mid and late summer, ponded water commonly is not evident except after heavy rains.

When not ponded, a seasonal high-water table typically fluctuates with precipitation events between the surface and a depth of 1.5 feet during the months of April through June. In most soils, it is within a depth 3.5 feet through the remainder of the growing season; however, in a few soils it may be as deep as 5 feet in mid- summer. The soils in this site exhibit episaturation (perched water table above a subsoil layer with low or moderately low saturated hydraulic conductivity).

Surface infiltration is moderately slow or slow. Permeability typically is very slow or slow. Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration.

Wetlands receive water from different sources including ground water movement. Recharge wetlands (Closed Depression) are episaturated with run on water early in the spring and after rainfall and have groundwater flow predominantly away from the wetland moving toward or into a discharge wetland basin. Flowthrough wetlands have groundwater flowing away from the wetland basin but is balanced with water flowing into the basin.

Closed Depression wetlands receive surface runoff from adjacent uplands and due to the potential high rate of surface evaporation, areas of this site are at risk of increased salinity if vegetative cover is reduced or removed (e.g., edges). Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration and lateral movement into (and evaporation from) adjacent soils. During periods of drawdown (e.g., prolonged drought), soil and water chemistry may significantly impact the soil/water/vegetation dynamics of the site (see Site Development and Testing Plan).

Fluctuations in salinity are less pronounced during average or normal water conditions than during periods of excessive water depth or extreme drought. The approximate normal and extreme range in salinity (dS/m) of surface water in plant communities that are indicators of differences in average salinity are as follows:


Water Chemistry Normal Range (micromhos/cm3) Electroconductivity(dS/m)
Fresh <40 - 500

Soil features

Soils associated with Closed Depression ES are in the Vertisol order and are classified further as Typic Natraquerts and Chromic Endoaquerts. These soils were developed under prairie wetland vegetation. They formed in local alluvium from weathered residuum or till.

The common feature of soils in this site are inundation or near-surface saturation in the early part of the growing season. A clayey subsoil significantly slows water movement downward resulting in episaturation. The soils are poorly drained and typically very deep; however, weathered sedimentary bedrock may occur below a depth of 40 inches on sedimentary plains. Surface texture is silt loam silty clay loam, or silty clay. The subsoil is typically silty clay or clay (forms a ribbon >2 inches long).

Soil salinity is none to very slight (E.C. <4 dS/m) to a depth of 3 inches; in many soils it increases to moderate (E.C. 8-16 dS/m) in the lower subsoil and substratum. Sodicity is none to low (SAR <4) in the surface layer, but commonly increases to moderately high or high (SAR 13 to 25) in the subsoil. Soil reaction is moderately acid to strongly alkaline (pH 5.6 to 9.0) in the surface layer and slightly acid to strongly alkaline (pH 6.1 to 9.0) in the clayey subsoil. The calcium carbonate content, typically, is none in the surface layer and low to moderately high (CaCO3 <15%) in the subsoil.

In some soils, sub-surface layers are non-restrictive to water movement; in other soils a layer of clay accumulation slows water movement and prolongs surface ponding. The soil/water/plant relationship is strongly influenced by ponded/and or saturated conditions.

Major soil series correlated to the Closed Depression site is Heil. McKenzie is currently included.

Note: During progressive soil surveys, mapping criteria for Heil soils varied between some counties in the MLRA. In Morton and Sioux counties, the key mapping criteria was soil drainage class. Poorly drained soils associated with sedimentary plains were mapped as Heil without investigating for a claypan. In other counties, the presence of a shallow claypan was the key mapping criteria. This criteria difference may require on-site investigation of the soil profile and plant community to determine whether the Closed Depression, Wet Meadow, or possibly Shallow Marsh ecological site should be used for management decisions.

Access Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx) for specific local soils information.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape

The MLRA 54 landscape is characterized by moderately dissected rolling plains with areas of local badlands, buttes, and isolated hills. MLRA 54 is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of the MLRA. This area supports natural mixed-grass prairie vegetation with prairie rose, leadplant, and patches of western snowberry interspersed throughout the area. Green ash, chokecherry, and buffaloberry occur in draws and narrow valleys creating woody riparian corridors. Complex intermingled ecological sites create diverse grass/shrub land habitats interspersed with varying densities linear, slope, depressional, and in-stream wetlands associated with headwater streams and tributaries to the Missouri River. These habitats provide critical life-cycle components for many wildlife species.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA:

The northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary ecological drivers (either singly or often in combination). Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and large herds of roaming American bison, elk, and pronghorn were historically among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammal and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to large predators (such as the wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear) and smaller carnivores (such as the coyote, bobcat, red fox, and raptors). The black-tailed prairie dog was once abundant and provided ecological services by manipulating the plant and soil community, thus providing habitat for the black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, swift fox, small mammals, and amphibians and reptiles. Extirpated species include free-ranging American bison, grizzly bear, gray wolf, black- footed ferret, mountain plover, and peregrine falcon (breeding). Extinct from the region is the Rocky Mountain locust.

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA:

Following European influence, domestic livestock grazing, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced plant community composition and abundance. Agriculture, transportation corridors, and energy development are the main factors contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area-sensitive species. These influences fragmented the landscape; reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire); and introduced exotic species including smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge. This further impacted plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, and fire as primary ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife, moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape.

Included in this MLRA are the isolated Killdeer Mountains (limestone capped residual butte) containing bur oak, quaking aspen, green ash, paper birch, and American elm. Except for floodplain forests within the MLRA, the Killdeer Mountains contain the largest deciduous forest in southwestern North Dakota.

Some wildlife species in this area are mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, coyote, red fox, bobcat, prairie rattlesnake, American badger, raccoon, North American porcupine, beaver, striped skunk, American mink, white-tailed jackrabbit, black-tailed prairie dog, Eastern and Merriam’s turkey, golden eagle, ferruginous hawks, sharp-tailed grouse, black-billed magpie, and numerous species of grassland-nesting birds and pollinating insects.

Presence of wildlife species is often determined by ecological site characteristics including grass and forb species, hydrology, aspect, and other associated ecological sites. The home ranges of a majority species are larger than one ecological site or are dependent on more than one ecological site for annual life requisites. Ecological sites offer different habitat elements as the annual life requisites change. Habitat improvement and creation must be conducted within the mobility limits of a known population for the species.

Insects play an important role providing ecological services for plant community development. Insects that are scavengers or aid in decomposition provide the food chain baseline sustaining the carnivorous insects feeding upon them. Many insects provide the ecological services necessary for pollination, keeping plant communities healthy and productive. Insects provide a protein food source for numerous species including grassland-nesting birds and their young.

Species unique to MLRA:

Bald eagle: Bald Eagles prefer large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or wetlands that are bordered by mature stands of trees or a single large tree. Bald eagles use the Missouri River system, including Lakes Sakakawea and Oahe, and associated tributaries. Mature trees, including cottonwoods, provide nesting sites adjacent to aquatic and upland foraging sites.

Dakota skipper: The extreme northern portion of this MLRA provides limited Dakota skipper habitat. Dakota skipper habitat within MLRA 54 is considered Type B habitat. Type B habitat is described as rolling native-prairie terrain over gravelly glacial moraine deposits dominated by bluestems and needlegrasses with the likely presence of bluebell bellflower, wood lily, purple coneflower, upright prairie coneflower, and blanket flower. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service lists two critical habitat units within the MLRA in McKenzie County, North Dakota.

Golden eagle: The Lake Sakakawea breaks, bluffs, and rock outcroppings within the northwest portion of the MLRA are key areas for golden eagle nesting. Grasslands, shrublands, and black-tailed prairie dog towns are used for foraging.

Black-footed ferret: Black-footed ferrets have been reintroduced as an experimental population in the southern portion of the MLRA located on the Cheyenne Sioux Indian Reservation. Since reintroduction between 1991 and 1996, black-footed ferrets have been documented on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation approximately 20 miles north of the reintroduction site. Black-footed ferrets rely exclusively on prairie dog towns for shelter, breeding, and food sources (prairie dogs and other species within the town).

Least tern (Interior): Least terns are found on the Missouri River system in MLRA 54. Sparsely vegetated sandbars within the free-flowing portions of the Missouri River or shorelines of Lake Oahe and Sakakawea are used for nesting and foraging.

Species of Concern within the MLRA:

The following is a list of species considered “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015); “species of greatest conservation need” in the Montana State Wildlife Action Plan (2015) and the South Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2014); and “species listed as threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act within MLRA 54 at the time this section was developed:

Invertebrates: Dakota skipper, little white tiger beetle, monarch butterfly, Ottoe skipper, regal fritillary, yellow-banded bumble bee, and western bumble bee.

Birds: American Kestrel, Baird’s sparrow, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, black tern, bobolink, Brewer’s sparrow, burrowing owl, chestnut-collared longspur, ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, grasshopper sparrow, greater sage-grouse, lark bunting, loggerhead shrike, least tern, long-billed curlew, marbled godwit, McCown’s longspur, mountain plover, northern goshawk, northern harrier, northern pintail, peregrine falcon (migration), piping plover, prairie falcon, red knot (migration), red- headed woodpecker, sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Sprague’s pipit, Swainson’s hawk, trumpeter swan, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, willet, Wilson’s phalarope, and whooping crane (migration).

Mammals: Big and little brown bats, long-eared bat, long-legged bat, northern long-eared bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, western small-footed bat, black-footed ferret, black-tailed prairie dog, dwarf shrew, gray wolf, hispid pocket mouse, Merriam’s shrew, northwestern moose, sagebrush vole, silver-haired bat, and swift fox.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Common snapping turtle, Great Plains toad, false map turtle, greater short- horned lizard, milk snake, northern leopard frog, plains hognose snake, plains spadefoot, smooth green snake, and smooth softshell and spiny softshell turtle.

Fish and Mussels: Blue sucker, burbot, flathead chub, fragile papershell, northern redbelly dace, paddlefish, pallid sturgeon, pearl dace, pink papershell, shortnose gar, sickle-fin chub, sturgeon chub, and sauger.

Grassland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA

Management activities within the community phase pathways impact wildlife. Community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways are keys to long-term management within each state and between states. Significant inputs must occur to cross the threshold between states (e.g., State 3.0 to 2.0) requiring substantial economic inputs and management (mechanical, reseeding, prescribed fire, woody vegetation removal, grazing intensity, etc.). Timing, intensity, and frequency of these inputs can have dramatic positive or negative effects on local wildlife species. Ranchers and other land managers must always consider the long-term beneficial effects of management on the habitat in comparison to potential short-term negative effects to individuals.

Ecological sites occur as intermingled complexes on the landscape with gradual or sometimes abrupt transitions. Rarely do ecological sites exist in large enough acreage to manage independently. Ecological sites that support a dominance of herbaceous vegetation (Loamy/Clayey) can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support medium to tall shrubs (Loamy Overflow). Conversely, ecological sites that are dominated by short- to mid-statured grasses (Claypan) can be adjacent to sites with bare soil only supporting minor amounts of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).

Management of these complex ecological sites can provide a heterogeneous or a homogenous landscape. Grassland bird use declines as the plant community transitions to a homogenous state. Managers should recognize ecological sites and the complexes they occur in to properly manage the landscape. A management regime for one ecological site may negatively impact an adjacent site; for example, alteration of a grazing regime within a Loamy Overflow ecological site to encourage understory growth may encourage exotic cool-season grasses to increase or dominate an adjacent ecological site.

Life requisites and habitat deficiencies are determined for targeted species. Deficiencies must be addressed along community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways as presented in specific state-and-transition models. Ecological sites should be managed and restored within the site’s capabilities to provide sustainable habitat. Managers also should consider habitat provided by adjacent/intermingled ecological sites for species with home ranges or life requisites that cannot be provided by one ecological site.

With populations of many grassland-nesting birds in decline, it is important to maintain these ecological sites in a 1.0 Reference State (rarely found intact) or the 2.0 Native/Invaded. Plant communities optimal for a guild of grassland species serve as a population source where the birth rate exceeds mortality. Species may use marginal plant communities; however, these sites may function as a population sink where mortality exceeds the birth rate.

Understanding preferred vegetative stature and sensitivity to woody encroachment is necessary to manage for the specific grassland species. Various grass heights may be used for breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat. While most species use varying heights, many have a preferred vegetative stature height. The following chart provides preferred vegetative stature heights and sensitivity to woody vegetation encroachment.

Use the following for more tables:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/54_Closed_Depression_Narrative_Final_Ref_FSG.pdf

Closed Depression Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Closed Depression ecological sites are predominantly poorly drained; some soluble salts may be present within the rooting zone (typically at the surface) and may impact the plant community, especially during periods of heavy grazing. Subsoil soil layers are restrictive to water movement and root penetration. This ecological site typically ponds water very early in the growing season which impacts plants associated with the site. The water regime may not be sufficient to consistently support hydrophytic vegetation and may be dominated by upland grasses such as western wheatgrass dependent upon precipitation events. Grazing pressure tends to move the plant community to more grazing/salt tolerant species, such as foxtail barley and salt grasses. These plant communities tend to be resistant to invasion by exotic grasses due to salinity. Associated ecological sites commonly include Claypan, Saline Lowland, Loamy, Thin Claypan, Wet Meadow, and Shallow Marsh. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive, grassland and water bird species preferring medium to tall-statured vegetation.

Closed Depression habitat features and components commonly support grassland and water birds that prefer short- to medium stature vegetation. Low diversity and density of forb species provide limited pollen and nectar resources for pollinating insects. In turn, upland invertebrate production is low, providing limited protein resources for grassland-nesting birds. However, dependent upon spring snowmelt, water dependent invertebrates may flourish. Closed Depression ecological sites provide forage for small and large herbivores.

Closed Depression ecological sites may be found in four plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, and 4.0 Go-Back State) within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist within States 1.0 and 2.0. Today, these states occur primarily in response to drought, fire, grazing, and non-use (lack of management) and other anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using Community Phase Pathways in State 1.0 to prevent further plant community degradation along the T1 Transitional Pathway to State 2.0. Native wildlife generally benefits from the heterogeneous grasslands found in State 1.0 that include grass and forb species of varying stature and density. As plant communities degrade and transition to State 2.0, foxtail barley increases while native forbs are reduced.

Management along community phase, transition, or restoration pathways should focus upon attainable changes. Short- and long-term monetary costs must be evaluated against short- and long- term ecological services in creating and maintaining habitat of enough quality to support a sustainable population density.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Western Wheatgrasses/Grass-likes/Cordgrasses/Forbs: This plant community offers quality vegetative cover for wildlife; if found, every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period as well as prescribed fire.

Prescribed fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. Predominance of grass species in these communities favors grazers and mixed-feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

Invertebrates: Insects play a role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds, reptiles, and rodents. Ecological services, historically provided by bison, are simulated by domestic livestock. These services include putting plant material and dung in contact with mineral soil to be used by lower trophic level consumers (such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal feeders).

Closed Depression ecological sites can provide habitat for a diverse suite of aquatic invertebrates providing an important trophic link between macrophytes and vertebrates that depend upon them as food. Dependent up spring snowmelt, rapid spring warming allows the invertebrate population to flourish.

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to wetness along with limited host plants, such as little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to wetness and the site lacking Nuttall’s and prairie violets. Monarch butterflies may use limited flowering forbs on this site; however, no milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Overall nectar and pollen availability are limited due to low forb diversity due the combination of wetness. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize limited forbs as a nectar source.

Birds: This plant community provides quality foraging and escape habitats favored by mid- to tall- grass nesting birds. Dependent upon duration of ponded water levels, this plant community may provide habitat for species preferring wetter (hydric) habitats. This site can provide waterfowl pair bonding sites, early season invertebrate food sources, and early season shorebird habitat. The rapid warming during spring snowmelt provides water birds an abundant invertebrate protein source for egg laying. Prescribed burning maintains a grass-dominated plant community, providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites or nesting habitat. However, it does provide winter cover, escape habitat, and brood-rearing habitat (depending on water levels). This site provides good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors, especially northern harrier.

Mammals: Limited diversity of grasses and forbs provide reduced nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, jackrabbits, and deer. This plant community has less diversity compared to associated sites such as Wet Meadow, Shallow Marsh, and Loamy. Mid- to tall-statured vegetation, wetness, and salinity provides thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site can provide suitable habitat for many amphibians and reptiles. Ponded water during average or above average precipitation events will provide foraging habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad - depending upon salinity levels. Ponded water normally is not deep enough to provide breeding habitat.

Fish and Mussels: These ecological sites are usually not associated with or located adjacent to streams, rivers, or water bodies. These sites receive run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provide hydrology to Wet Meadow or Shallow Marsh ecological sites. Management on Closed Depression sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, can have an indirect effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limits potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the adjacent ecological sites from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Western Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass/Forbs: Heavy grazing pressure, with or without drought, gives foxtail barley and other salt tolerant grasses a competitive edge. This plant community is adapted to increased salinity and is relatively stable. Every effort should be made to manage this plant community via Community Pathway 1.2A (prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods) to move back to Plant Community Phase 1.1. Improper management (such as heavy continuous grazing) will transition this plant community to Community Phase 1.3, increasing abundance of foxtail barley and inland saltgrass. Structural diversity and density reduce habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, heavy continuous grazing with lack of recovery periods further reduces density and diversity of pollinating forb species.

Birds: Heavy continuous grazing with lack of recovery periods gives foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and other salt tolerant grasses a competitive edge reducing density and stature of grasses. Grassland nesting birds, favoring short statured structure, may use this plant community. Dependent upon water depth and duration ponding, this plant community may be attractive to various shorebirds.

Mammals: A shift to mid- to short-grass species and drier soil conditions reduces habitat for large mammals, such as white-tailed deer, while still providing vegetative cover for small mammals. Thermal, escape, and winter cover becomes limited for larger ungulates. This site is no longer favored by large herbivores and provides limited life requisites for small herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, increased bare ground may yield additional sediment to nearby water bodies.

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Western Wheatgrasses-Grass-likes/Prairie Cordgrass/Forbs: Introduction and establishment of exotic cool-season grasses along Transition Pathway T1, due to changes in management such as long-term lack of fire and elimination of grazing with the presence of non-native species.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 2.2 Western Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass/Forbs: Long-term drought (with or without heavy, long-term grazing) results in a marked decline in cordgrass and corresponding increases in foxtail barley and saltgrass.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Western Wheatgrass/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Extended periods of no use and no fire, or continuous season long grazing (via Transitional Pathway T2A) results in a plant community phase dominated by exotic cool-season grasses (such as smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass) along with other species such as reed canary grass, foxtail barley, saltgrass or creeping meadow foxtail (aka Garrison creeping foxtail). This process can be exasperated by extended periods of dry conditions allowing the exotic cool-season grasses to establish and dominate. Restoration Pathway R3A, through prescribed burning, chemical treatment mechanical reseeding, and/or high levels of grazing management requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool-season grasses and forbs with normal to above normal precipitation to be successful. The remnant native community needs frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density. Without intensive management, the remnant native plants will not increase adequately to transition back to State 2.0. Intensified management along the R3A Pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term native habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Exotic grasses limits use by beneficial insects provided in States 1.0 and 2.0. Increased litter and lack of grazing leads to limited contact between plant material and mineral soil resulting in a cooler micro-climate, which is unfavorable to most insects. Lack of bare soil limits ground-nesting sites for native bees and other ground-nesting insects. Lack of nectar-producing plants and native forb and grass host plants eliminates life requisites for invertebrate species of concern in MLRA 54.

Birds: This homogeneous community phase, dominated by exotic plant species, provides limited habitat and life requisites for most obligate grassland-nesting birds. Lack of plant diversity and stature (along with increased litter and the tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass to lay down) limits use by many grassland-nesting birds. Due to wetness, sharp-tailed grouse may not use this plant community for lek sites and nesting cover. Vegetation density may not be sufficient for winter cover.

Mammals: Litter accumulation and exotic grass cover favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents. Thermal, protective, or escape cover is limited for large mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

4.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 4.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance (such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity for a prolonged period). Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds and their young. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

Successful restoration of native species along Transitional Pathway R3A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Over time, with no management, the exotic cool-season perennial grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass) generally become re-established and dominate the community. Successful range seeding, via Transition Pathway R4A, can result in State 2.0. Prescribe grazing and/or fire may be needed to maintain this plant community within State 2.0. Failed native range planting, along Transitional Pathway R4B, will keep this plant community within Invaded State 4.0.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations

This site is well adapted to managed grazing by domestic livestock. The predominance of herbaceous plants across all plant community phases best lends these sites to grazing by cattle, but other domestic grazers with differing diet preferences may also be a consideration (depending upon management objectives). Often, the current plant community does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in the ecological site description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. Proper interpretation of this inventory data will permit the establishment of a safe, initial stocking rate for the type and class of animals and level of grazing management. More accurate stocking rate estimates should eventually be calculated using actual stocking rate information and monitoring data.

NRCS defines prescribed grazing as “managing the harvest of vegetation with grazing and/or browsing animals with the intent to achieve specific ecological, economic, and management objectives”. As used in this site description, the term ‘prescribed grazing’ is intended to include multiple grazing management systems (e.g., rotational grazing, twice-over grazing, conservation grazing, targeted grazing, etc.) provided that, whatever management system is implemented, it meets the intent of prescribed grazing definition.

The basic grazing prescription addresses balancing forage demand (quality and quantity) with available forage, varying grazing and deferment periods from year-to-year, matching recovery/deferment periods to growing conditions when pastures are grazed more than once in a growing season, implementation of a contingency (e.g., drought) plan, and a monitoring plan. When the management goal is to facilitate change from one plant community phase or state to another, then the prescription needs to be designed to shift the competitive advantage to favor the native grass and forb species.

Grazing levels are noted within the plant community narratives and pathways in reference to grazing management. “Degree of utilization” is defined as the proportion of the current years forage production that is consumed and/or destroyed by grazing animals (may refer to a single plant species or a portion or all the vegetation). “Grazing utilization” is classified as slight, moderate, full, close, and severe (see the following table for description of each grazing use category). The following utilization levels are also described in the Ranchers Guide to Grassland Management IV. Utilization levels are determined by using the landscape appearance method as outlined in the Interagency Technical Reference “Utilization Studies and Residual Measurements” 1734-3.

Utilization Level % Use Description
Slight (Light) 0-20 Appears practically undisturbed when viewed obliquely. Only choice areas and forage utilized.

Moderate 20-40 Almost all of accessable range shows grazing. Little or no use of poor forage. Little evidence of trailing to grazing.

Full 40-60 All fully accessable areas are grazed. The major sites have key forage species properly utilized (about half taken, half left). Points of concentration with overuse limited to 5 to 10 percent of accessible area.

Close (Heavy) 60-80 All accessible range plainly shows use and major sections closely cropped. Livestock forced to use less desirable forage, considering seasonal preference.

Severe > 80 Key forage species completely used. Low-value forages are dominant.

Hydrological functions

Under unaltered hydrologic conditions, the site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D; where significantly impacted by drainage practices, these soils are in hydrologic group C/D. Infiltration is slow or moderately slow; runoff potential is negligible.

Hydrological manipulation (surface or tile drainage, pumping, surface water diversion, etc.) modifies this ecological site. If the degree of manipulation results in altered soil properties (i.e., salinization or the addition of fill material) and vegetation changes occur, a transition to a completely different ecological site may have occurred. The transition to an altogether different ecological site will depend upon severity of altered hydrology, soil properties, and corresponding vegetation. Due to the many variables (e.g., hydrology, type and success of drainage, etc.), impacts to the ecological site will be site-specific. As a result, each situation will require field investigation to determine what, if any, change in ecological site designation is necessary and proceed accordingly.

Without restoring hydrologic function (which may include range seeding), managers need to reference state and transition models within those sites. Hydrology will need to be fully restored in the Closed Depression ecological site for the site to properly function. It is recommended that managers review the appropriate State and Transition Models prior to wetland restoration.

Recreational uses

The largest acreage of public land available for recreation in the MLRA is owned and managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) within the Little Missouri, Grand River, and Cedar River National Grasslands in South Dakota and the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota (687,398 acres). These areas are available for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, horse and bike riding, nature viewing, etc. In addition, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages (40,264 acres) in North and South Dakota with the same recreational opportunities as the USFS lands.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAE) owns 496,162 acres of land and water located on and adjacent to Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe. The North Dakota and South Dakota Game and Fish Departments manage the fisheries resources. These two Missouri River reservoirs provide excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities. In addition, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) manages a national fish hatchery below Garrison Dam.

The USFWS manages 36,858 acres in the National Wildlife Refuge system while the North Dakota and South Dakota wildlife management agencies manage 72,218 acres as wildlife or game management areas. The North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana Department of Trust Lands manage 486,482 acres. These areas provide hunting, bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. North Dakota Wildlife Management Areas along the shoreline of Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River account for 60,000 acres of the approximately 72,218 acres of land managed by the states for wildlife habitat in MLRA 54. Located in the northern portion of the MLRA, the Killdeer Mountain WMA is the largest tract of state-owned land managed for wildlife habitat at approximately 7,000 acres.

The largest refuge managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife service is Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge totaling approximately 4,000 acres. United States Bureau of Reclamation manages approximately 11,000 acres at Lake Tschida and 8,460 acres at Bowman-Haley Lake for fish and wildlife habitat. The National Park Service manages the Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site; the North Dakota Historical Society manages the Double Ditch Indian Village site.

Bird watching: Public and private grasslands within MLRA 54 provide essential habitat for prairie-dependent bird species such as Sprague's pipits, western meadowlark, and Baird's sparrow along with some of the larger, showy members of the upland prairie include marbled godwits, upland sandpipers, willets, and sharp-tailed grouse. Publicly owned lands provide excellent birding opportunities. MLRA 54 is in the Central Flyway.

Hunting/Fishing: MLRA 54 is a fall destination for thousands of pheasant and upland game bird hunters. This MLRA also provides excellent deer (white-tailed and mule), pronghorn, and coyote hunting opportunities. Lake

Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Lake Tschida, and the Missouri River provide excellent year-round fishing opportunities. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks manage approximately 40 fishing lakes within the MLRA. Available species include yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Chinook salmon are stocked in Lake Sakakawea.

Camping: Numerous state operated campgrounds are located along the shores of Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Missouri River, and Shadehill Reservoir. Primitive camping is allowed on Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands in South Dakota and the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota. Other numerous camping (primitive and improved) sites are available in numerous city and county parks.

Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding: Hiking is permitted on most state and federally owned lands. Developed hiking and biking trails can be found on Harmon Lake (13.1 miles), Roughrider Trail (Morton County, 16.5 miles), Missouri River State Natural Area (5 miles), Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park (8 miles), Cross Ranch State Park (14 miles), Grand River National Grasslands (7 miles), Lake Sakakawea State Park (5 miles), and Lewis & Clark State Park (5 miles). In addition, extensive biking and walking trails are found in local county and city parks. Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park has 6 miles of horseback trails.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are found on this site.

Other products

Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.

Other information

Site Development and Testing Plan
• Further investigation is needed on the impact of soil salinity on the Heil soils in this site. Currently the Heil components allow a range of E.C. values that overlap the Saline Lowland ecological site.
• Further investigation of McKenzie components is recommended. The vegetation on those soils may not be well represented by the Closed Depression site.
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model may be needed to identify disturbance driven dynamics. Additional states and/or phases may be required to address grazing response.
• Site concepts will be refined as the above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.

This ESD is the best available knowledge. The site concept and species composition table have been used in the field and tested for more than five years. It is expected that as additional information becomes available revisions may be required.

Inventory data references

Information presented here has been derived from NRCS and other federal/state agency clipping and inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. All descriptions were peer reviewed and/or field-tested by various private, state, and federal agency specialists.

Other references

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Bluemle. J.P. 2016. North Dakota’s Geologic Legacy. North Dakota State University Press. 382 pages.

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Contributors

ND NRCS: David Dewald, Jonathan Fettig, Jody Forman, Mike Gerbig, Alan Gulsvig, Mark Hayek, Jeanne Heilig, John Kempenich, Chuck Lura, Jeff Printz, Steve Sieler, and Hal Weiser.

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 3/31/2025

Acknowledgments

NRCS would like to acknowledge the United State Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) for access to USFS properties and technical assistance in ESD development. USFS: Jack Dahl, Nickole Dahl, and Chad Prosser.