Physiographic features

The Saline Lowland sites are typically on drainageways and alluvial flats. Slopes range from 0 to 2 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

A seasonal water table, typically, is within a depth of 18 inches during the months of April through June. In some soils, the water table may continue at this depth into mid-summer while in other soils, it may drop to 42 inches or deeper in mid to late summer. The species and amounts of vegetation on this site are influenced by depth to water table and, on some landscapes, by flooding. However, the benefit of this influence is significantly diminished by the degree of soil salinity. Permeability ranges from very slow to moderately rapid. Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration.

Wetlands receive water from different sources including ground water movement. Discharge wetlands (Saline Lowland) are endosaturated, dominated by ground water movement to the surface supporting the wetland hydrology.

Saline Lowland wetlands receive subsurface ground water movement through adjacent uplands and, due to the potential high rate of surface evaporation, become saline. Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration and lateral movement into adjacent soils. If vegetative cover is reduced or removed; salinity may be increased. 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 specific conductance 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 specific conductance (micromhos/cm3) of surface water in plant communities that are indicators of differences in average salinity are as follows:

Plant Community /Normal Range (micromhos/cm3) / Electroconductivity (dS/m)
Fresh <40 - 500 0.5
Slightly brackish 500 - 2,000 0.5 to 2.0
Moderately brackish 2,000 - 5,000 2.1 to 5.0
Brackish 5,000 - 15,000 5.1 to 15.0
Sub-saline 15,000 - 45,000 15.1 to 45.0
Saline 45,000 -100,000 > 45.0

Soils in these depressions are considered temporary wetlands; however, during wetter than normal climate cycles, these soils may have seasonal ponding.

Wetland description

Stream Type: DA6 (Rosgen System) on riparian systems.

Wetland Description: System Subsystem Class Sub-class Water Regime
Cowardin, et. al., 1979 Palustrine N/A Emergent Persistent Temporary/Saturated

Soil features

Soils associated with the modal concept of Saline Lowland ES are in the Mollisol and Alfisol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Typic Calciaquolls, Typic Endoaquolls, and Typic Natraquolls. The Alfisols are classified further as Typic Natraqualfs. Soils on this site were developed under prairie vegetation. They formed in alluvium from residuum. The parent materials vary from coarse-loamy to clayey. The soils on this site, typically, are very deep; however, soils with dense claypan layers have restricted root growth in the subsoil and below.

The common feature of soils in this site is moderate or strong salinity (E.C. >8 dS/m); some soils also have a dense, sodic, root-restrictive claypan. The high concentration of salts and sodium (where present) affects both the kind and amount of vegetation present. The surface layer ranges from 2 to 10 inches thick. All textures except sandy are included in the site. The excessive salts and (in some soils) sodium affect other soil properties such as available water capacity, soil structure, infiltration, and permeability. Soils in this site generally have low to moderate organic matter content.

Eroded areas with high amounts of salt and sodium at the surface are barren of vegetation. These areas are typical of this site and are intermingled with areas of vegetation. Chemical and physical crusts on the soil surface are common. Cryptogamic crusts occasionally occur on the soil surface. Typically, the interpretive plant community will have good cover of perennial grasses with areas of bare ground and salt crusts. These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on areas that are denuded of vegetation. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site are Arveson, Glenross, Harriet, and Regan. Areas of soil classified only to the family class (Endoaquolls) are included, as well as a poorly drained taxadjunct of Grassna.

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, blacksamson echinacea, upright prairie coneflower, and blanketflower. 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 need to 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 must 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 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.

To view the chart, click on the hyperlink:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/54_Saline_Lowland_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Saline Lowland Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Saline Lowland ecological sites are typically poorly drained soils; soluble salts are present within the rooting zone (typically at the surface) and significantly impact the plant community. The surface can become nearly barren due to the presence of salts. In some soils, subsurface soil layers may be restrictive to water movement and root penetration. Associated ecological sites commonly include Clayey, Claypan, Loamy, Thin Claypan, Loamy Terrace, Sandy Terrace, and Wet Meadow. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive, grassland bird species preferring short- to tall-statured vegetation (dependent upon plant community).

Saline Lowland habitat features and components commonly support grassland-nesting birds that prefer short- to medium stature vegetation. Shore birds will use this site during periods of the year when it contains standing and/or flowing water. Low diversity and density of forb species provide limited pollen and nectar resources for pollinating insects. In turn, invertebrate production is low, providing limited protein resources for grassland-nesting birds. Saline Lowland ecological sites provide forage for small and large herbivores.

Saline Lowland ecological sites may be found in three plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, and 3.0 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, 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 Wheatgrasses-Cordgrasses-Nuttall’s Alkaligrass: 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).

Dependent upon salinity levels, Saline Lowland ecological sites provide habitat for a diverse suite of aquatic invertebrates providing an important trophic link between macrophytes and vertebrates that depend upon them as food. Rapid warming during spring snowmelt allows the invertebrate population to flourish. The vegetative structure provided by vegetated, shallow wetlands increase the abundance of aquatic invertebrates compared to less vegetated sites.

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to salinity and wetness along with limited host plants, such as little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to salinity, wetness, the short stature of this plant community, and uncommon 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 salinity and wetness. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize limited forbs as a nectar source. Although bare ground is common, wetness and salinity will limit nesting.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tallgrass-nesting birds. Dependent upon ponded water levels, this plant community may provide habitat for species preferring wetter (hydric) habitats (such as Nelson’s sparrow, northern harrier, sedge wren, yellow rail, Wilson’s phalarope, Wilson’s snipe, etc.). This site may provide waterfowl pair bonding sites, early season invertebrate food sources, and early season shorebird habitat if semi-permanent or permanent water is in proximity. 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. During periods of ponding or runoff, this site provides a water source for many mammals. This plant community has less diversity and shorter plant stature compared to associated sites such as Clayey, Claypan, Thin Claypan, and Wet Meadow. Mid- to short-statured vegetation, wetness, and salinity provides limited thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Due to potential high salinity levels and wetness, these ecological sites do not provide suitable habitat for many amphibians and reptiles except during periods of above normal precipitation, reducing the effects of high salinity levels. Ponded water during above average precipitation events will provide foraging habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad - depending upon salinity levels. Ponded water may not be deep enough to provide breeding habitat.

Fish and Mussels: These ecological sites can be 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 Saline Lowland sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, can have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Saline Lowland and adjacent sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the adjacent aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass: Multiyear drought (with or without heavy, long-term grazing), with lack of recovery periods, 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 season-long grazing) will transition this plant community to State 2.0, increasing abundance of foxtail barley, saltgrass, and bare ground. 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, 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, this plant community may be attractive to various shorebirds.

Mammals: 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.

Community Phase 1.3 Bare Ground/Halophytes: This plant community phase is characterized by bare ground and grazing-tolerant annual forbs. Multi-year drought, with or without heavy long-term grazing, may shift to increased bare ground and salt tolerant grasses or forbs. Bare ground increases while litter amounts and infiltration rates decline; soil surface temperatures increase. This plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing sensitive native plant species to return to the 1.1 community phase (via Community Phase Pathway 1.3A).

Invertebrates: A switch to mainly halophytes will have a significant impact to invertebrates due to the reduction of season-long nectar and pollen. Season-long nectar sources may be found on adjacent plant communities or ecological sites for mobile species. Increased bare ground provides increased nesting sites for bumble bees and other ground-nesting insects but due to wetness and salinity will not provide quality nesting sites.

Birds: Bare ground coupled with salinity will not provide adequate habitat for grassland nesting birds. Shorebird use is limited to times of inundation.

Mammals: Bare ground and the loss of grasses provides limited food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover for most mammals.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisite benefits 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 Wheatgrasses-Cordgrasses-Nuttall’s Alkaligrass: Introduction and establishment of exotic cool-season grasses exacerbated by chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing without adequate recovery periods (along Transition Pathway T1A) causes native forbs to decrease in production, abundance, diversity, and richness. Bare ground has increased due to the presence of alkaligrass.

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 Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass: Long-term drought, with or without heavy, long-term grazing, results in a marked decline in cordgrasses 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.

Community Phase 2.3 Bare Ground/Halophytes: This plant community phase is characterized by bare ground and halophytes. Prolonged drought, with or without heavy long-term grazing, will shift to increased bare ground and salt tolerant grasses and forbs. This plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing-sensitive native plant species to return to 2.2 community phase (via Community Phase Pathway 2.3A).

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisite benefits as Community Phase 1.3.

Community Phase 2.4 Wheatgrasses-Cordgrasses-Nuttall’s Alkaligrass/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: This plant community phase is characterized by long-term non-use, no fire, and no grazing. Exotic cool- season grasses have increased; wheatgrasses, cordgrasses, and Nuttall’s alkaligrass are still conspicuously present, but much reduced compared to Community Phase 2.1.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, an increase in cool- season exotic grasses reduces bare ground availability for nesting sites.

Birds: Dependent upon the density of exotic cool-season grasses, vegetative stature maybe more conducive to species preferring short-stature for breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat.

Mammals: An increase in cool-season exotic grasses may reduce thermal, escape, and protective cover. Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

3.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 3.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics/Halophytes: This plant community is 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 salt-tolerant 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.

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 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 accessible range shows grazing. Little or no use of poor forage. Little evidence of trailing to grazing.

Full 40-60 All fully accessible 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

Plant available water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. As soil salinity increases, plant available water decreases. Under unaltered hydrologic conditions, the modal site concept is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is moderately rapid to slow; runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to high depending on soil surface texture, soil permeability, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to NRCS Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4) for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

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: 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.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

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

Other information

Site Development and Testing Plan
• Further evaluation may be needed to determine if an Invaded State may exist. Salinity levels may allow for Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or crested wheatgrass to invade this site to meet invaded state threshold.
• Saline phases of Havrelon, Korchea, Lohler, Shambo, Scorio, and Trembles soils occur on flood plains with occasional or frequent flooding of brief duration. Drainage classes of these components need investigation and determinations made of the appropriate ESD assignments: Saline Lowland, Loamy Terrace/Clayey Terrace, or Riparian Complex. They are currently linked to Saline Lowland.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o Saline phases of several upland soil series are currently linked to the Saline Lowland ecological site; these are the Amor, Arnegard, Barkof, Belfield, Grail, Moreau, Parshall, and Vebar soils. Drainage classes of these soils are moderately well drained or well drained. These saline phases commonly developed due to cultivation (seeps). Range planting considerations need to include factors other than the presence of accumulated salts (recharge area, etc.) These components need relinking to the appropriate upland ESD: Clayey, Loamy, Sandy or Loamy Overflow.
o Some saline phases of Typic Natrustoll components (Daglum and Janesburg) are currently linked to Saline Lowland. This linking needs to be reviewed; Thin Claypan is likely a better fit for these components.
o Two minor components of Trembles, saline need to be relinked from Saline Lowland to Sandy Terrace.
o Two saline components (1 major) of Havrelon need to be relinked from Saline Lowland to Loamy Terrace.
o One minor component each of somewhat poorly drained, saline phases of Golva and Maschetah are currently linked to Saline Lowland. These should be reviewed as Saline Lowland is intended for poorly drained soils.
o Three saline components (1 major) of Scorio may need to be relinked from Saline Lowland to 58C Clayey Terrace.
o One major component of a strongly saline, poorly drained taxadjunct to Grassna needs to be relinked from Non-site to Saline Lowland.
o Some Heil components may have E.C. high enough for Saline Lowland.
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.

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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.