Physiographic features

This site typically occurs on ridges, knobs, summits, escarpments, on sedimentary plains and outwash terraces. Typical parent materials are channery residuum weathered from porcelanite, loamy alluvium over limestone gravelly alluvium, gravelly alluvium (outwash) or soft, weathered sedimentary bedrock. Slopes range from 2 to 70 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 MLRA 54. 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) HETTINGER [USC00324178], Hettinger, ND

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

• (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 does not receive additional water as runoff from adjacent slopes; it is on a run-off landscape position. Neither does it receive additional water from a seasonal high-water table. Depth to the water table is deeper than 6 feet throughout the growing season. Infiltration is medium to very rapid. Permeability below the surface layer is rapid or very rapid. Water loss is through percolation below the root zone and evapotranspiration.

Soil features

Soils associated with Very Shallow ES are in the Entisol and Mollisol orders. The Entisols are classified further as Typic Ustorthents. The Mollisols are classified further as Entic Haplustolls and Typic Haplustolls. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. Typically, they formed in residuum from porcelanite (scoria), sandy and gravelly alluvium, or loamy alluvium over gravelly limestone alluvium. Some areas of weathered soft, sedimentary bedrock (mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, or shale) may also occur.

The common feature of soils in this site is the very shallow depth to layers which restrict or affect root growth: porcelanite within a depth of 20 inches; layers high in coarse sand and gravel (15 to >60 percent gravel) within a depth of 14 inches; very gravelly loam or very cobbly loam (limestone fragments) within a depth of 10 inches; or weathered, soft, sedimentary bedrock within a depth of 10 inches. These layers also impact the available water capacity, making the soils very droughty and limiting plant production. The soils are excessively drained to well drained. The surface layer is typically loam, silt loam, fine sandy loam, channery loam, gravelly loam, or gravelly sandy loam; however coarser textures are allowed. Thickness of the surface layer is 7 inches or less. Soils formed in weathered soft residuum are less than 10 inches to root-restrictive sedimentary bedrock; surface texture on these soils ranges from fine sandy loam to clay.

Salinity is typically none or very slight (E.C. <4 dS/m); sodicity is typically none or low (SAR <5). However, where weathered shale occurs, salinity may be none to slight (E.C. <8 ds/m) and SAR values may be as high as 10. Soil reaction is typically neutral to alkaline (pH 6.6 to 8.4). Calcium carbonate content ranges from 0 to 20 percent.

The soil surface on sandy and gravelly soils may be unstable but is usually intact. Sub-surface soil layers affect or restrict root penetration. These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Very low available water capacity caused by the shallow rooting depth strongly influences the soil/water/pant relationship. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Major soil series correlated to the Very Shallow site are Baahish, Brandenburg, Ringling, and Wabek.

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

Surface Texture Modifier: gravelly, very gravelly, channery, very channery, very stony

*The Subsurface Fragments <3” (% Volume) range shown is for soils formed in gravelly deposits; where the soils formed in soft, sedimentary bedrock, coarse fragments may not be present.

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 deer (white-tailed and mule), 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 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.

To see the charts, click on the hyperlink:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/54_Very_Shallow_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Very Shallow Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Very Shallow ecological sites are characterized by soils which have soft weathered bedrock within a depth of 10 inches, or gravelly sand within a depth of 14 inches, or are 10 to 20 inches deep to porcelanite (scoria). Associated ecological sites include Claypan, Sandy, Loamy, Shallow Loamy, Thin Claypan, Limy Residual, Badland Fan, and Shallow Gravel. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species. Also, in the Killdeer Mountains, the Upland Hardwood Forest ecological site is associated with the Very Shallow site. Very Shallow habitat features have a significant amount of bare soil compared to the associated ecological sites. Dependent upon the degree of shrub invasion, Very Shallow ecological sites support species of conservation priority, such as the short-horned lizard.

Very Shallow 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). Multiple plant community phases exist within States 1.0 and 2.0. These states occur primarily in response to grazing, drought, and non-use. Secondary influences include fire and anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 community phase pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along either the T1A Transitional Pathway to Native/Invaded State 2.0 or T2A Transitional Pathway to Invaded State 3.0 thresholds. Native wildlife generally benefits from a heterogeneous grassland, in stature and plant composition, found in Community Phases 1.1 and 2.1 that include diverse grass and forb species with varying stature and density. Plant Community Phases 1.3 and 2.3 have an increase in shrubs including creeping juniper, buffaloberry, and skunkbush sumac. As shrub density increases, grassland nesting bird and reptile use decreases.

Success along Restoration Pathway R3A from State 3.0 to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of a remnant native grass population. This concept also applies to wildlife as the target species must either be present on adjacent State 1.0 or State 2.0 plant communities or on ecological sites within the mobility limits of the species. Species with limited mobility, such as Dakota skippers, must exist near the plant community to utilize restored sites. Mobile species, such as grassland-nesting birds, can more easily locate isolated, restored plant communities.

Plant community phases within the State 3.0 show dramatically increased homogeneity of exotic cool-season grasses and further reduction in native forbs. Reduced forb diversity limits insect populations, negatively affecting foraging opportunities for grassland-nesting birds. Very Shallow sites can have pockets of buffaloberry and creeping juniper which, when in high enough density, may impact shrub intolerant grassland nesting birds. Increased exotic-grass litter can limit access to bare ground by nesting insects. A homogenous grassland landscape does not provide quality escape or winter cover. As a result, many species are not able to meet life requisites within State 3.0.

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 sufficient quality to support a sustainable population.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Little Bluestem-Needlegrasses/Sedges/Bare Ground: This plant community provides quality habitat for species benefiting from sparse vegetation with a significant amount of bare ground. 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. Predominance of grass and forb species in this community favors grazers and mixed- feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs).

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 low trophic level consumers (such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders).

This site has potential for Dakota skipper foraging habitat in the northern portion of the MLRA, since it does provide little bluestem as a host plant. Very shallow, xeric soil conditions are not conducive for Dakota skipper reproduction. Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to the rarity of Nuttall's violet and prairie violets. Monarch butterflies may use flowering forbs on this site; however, few milkweed species are found on this site to support breeding and larvae development. The Very Shallow ecological site does not provide habitat for the little white tiger beetles which prefer large, active Choppy Sands ecological sites or sand beaches for the Ottoe Skipper which prefers mid- to tall-statured grasses. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs as a nectar source and bare ground for nesting sites in bunchgrasses. Bare ground provides habitat for ground nesting bees. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, as well as prescribed fire, to maintain the 1.1 Phase has little effect on nests of ground-dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides foraging and escape habitats favored by short- to midgrass- nesting birds. Plant statures may be suitable for McCown’s longspur, especially during periods of drought or management (such as rotational grazing or fire) that results in defoliation along Community Phase Pathway 1.1A. This site is not conducive to burrowing animals, limiting potential use by burrowing owls. The low, scattered shrubs present in the plant community phase should not impact woody vegetation-sensitive bird species.

Grassland birds positively correlated with bare ground - including chestnut-collared longspur, grasshopper sparrow, and McCown’s longspur - may use this site. This plant community provides suitable foraging areas for sharp-tailed grouse broods. Limited stature and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice (hispid pocket mouse), rodents, jackrabbits, pronghorn, and deer (white-tailed and mule). This site provides limited thermal and escape cover for large ungulates and cervids.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site and associated plant communities provide habitat for short-horned lizard and smooth green snakes that utilize short grasses with bare soil.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. Associated ecological sites, such as Loamy Overflow, can receive run-on hydrology from Very Shallow sites. Management on these interconnected sites may have limited, secondary effects on aquatic species.

Community Phase 1.2 Sedges/Fobs/Bare Ground: Multiyear drought with or without heavy, long- term grazing (via Community Phase Pathway 1.1A) will switch this plant community from cool- and warm-season bunchgrasses to disturbance tolerant species (such as Fendler threeawn, sand dropseed, sedges, and forbs). Bare ground increases with a possible increase in lesser spikemoss.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, heavy grazing may cause an increase in disturbance tolerant forbs reducing available pollen and nectar. Heavy grazing may also reduce or change the timing of forb flowering.

Birds: This plant community provides limited nesting and foraging habitats favored by shortgrass- nesting birds. A shift to shorter plant stature along Community Phase Pathway 1.1A benefits McCown’s longspur, chestnut-collared longspur, and horned lark. Species that prefer midgrass stature may not be successful. In years with reduced precipitation or heavy grazing, nesting recruitment for short-grass nesting birds may be compromised. Landscape position along with light to moderate cover and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: An increase in short statured vegetation, such as sedges, and heavy grazing reduces thermal and escape cover for 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.

Community Phase 1.3 Blue Grama-Needlegrasses/Sedges/Shrubs: Decreased fire frequency (via Community Pathway 1.1B from Community Phase 1.1) or average growing conditions, reduced fire frequency, and grazing (via Community Pathway 1.2B from Community Phase 1.2) will increase warm-season sod-forming grasses and cool-season bunchgrasses. However, the reduction in fire frequency will increase shrubs such as creeping juniper, skunkbush sumac, and buffaloberry.

Invertebrates: Dependent on shrub dominance, invertebrate use may become limited on sites dominated by creeping juniper but may increase during the buffaloberry and skunkbrush sumac flowering period. Season long bloom periods may be diminished due to the shrub dominance with a reduction in forbs.

Birds: Increase in shrubs will decrease use by woody-sensitive grassland nesting bird species.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals become limited when dominated by creeping juniper but may increase with shrubs such as buffaloberry. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, pronghorn, and deer.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Loss of bare ground and increase in shrubs limits use by short-horned lizard and smooth green snakes that utilize short grasses with bare soil.

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

Community Phase 1.4 Annual Forbs/Bare Ground/Blue Grama/Sedges (Prairie Dog Town): This plant community phase is characterized by grazing-tolerant species and annual forbs. Prairie dog occupation will shift the plant community to increased annual forbs and grazing tolerant perennial grasses. Perennial forbs stature and abundance are being replaced by short-statured annual forbs. Bare ground increases while litter amounts and infiltration rates decline as soil surface temperatures increase. This short-statured plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing-sensitive native species to return to 1.3 Community Phases (via Community Phase Pathway 1.4A).

Invertebrates: A switch to annual forbs from perennial forbs may not have a significant impact to invertebrates but may reduce season-long nectar producing plants for pollinators. Season-long nectar sources may be found on adjacent plant communities or ecological sites for mobile species. Increased bare ground and prairie dog burrow sites provide increased nesting sites for bumble bees and other ground-nesting insects.

Birds: This very short-statured phase, driven by continued over-grazing or prairie dog occupation, is favored by burrowing owls, chestnut-collared longspur, and McCown’s longspur. Prairie dog towns provide abundant prey populations for grassland raptors. The lack of grass and forb stature limits use by many bird species. Managing this phase along Community Phase Pathway 1.3A can be an economical and successful method to restore high quality habitat for many grassland-nesting birds.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals becomes limited. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including rodents, white-tailed jackrabbits, and deer. Grazers, such as pronghorn, use prairie dog towns for foraging and loafing. Managing this phase along Community Phase Pathway 1.3A can be an economical and successful method to restore habitat.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Prairie dog towns provide habitat for both amphibians and reptiles. Tiger salamanders, prairie rattlesnakes, and other snake species will use the burrow systems of prairie dogs for shelter and denning.

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Little Bluestem-Needlegrasses/Sedges/Bare Ground: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1A, due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses. Lack of fire, chronic season-long or heavy late-season grazing, or complete rest from grazing allows cool-season exotic grasses to establish. The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, crested wheatgrass, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.1, except it has a minor amount of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs. This phase functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to State 3.0.
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 Sedges/Forbs/Bare Ground: Continuous, heavy season-long grazing or heavy seasonal grazing, with or without drought, along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A shifts the competitive edge to more disturbance tolerant species. Bare ground increases along with a possible increase in lesser spikemoss leading to loss of little bluestem and needlegrasses. A shift to sedges and bare ground reduces the diversity of this plant community. Prescribed grazing along with average growing conditions following Community Phase Pathway 2.2A is an efficient, effective method to regain the warm- and cool-season grass and forb diversity components in Community Phase 2.1.

Invertebrates: The reduction of native forbs and increase in bare ground and lesser spikemoss limit foraging and nesting sites for all pollinators. Continuous, heavy season-long grazing or heavy seasonal grazing may reduce ground-nesting site availability.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals become limited. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, pronghorn, and deer.

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 2.3 Blue Grama-Needlegrasses/Sedges/Shrubs: This plant community develops through Community Phase Pathway 2.1B due to a decrease in fire frequency and a series of above normal precipitation years. The competitive edge shifts towards a shrub component dominated by creeping juniper, skunkbush sumac, and buffaloberry. Native grasses and forbs still dominate the herbaceous layer.

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, except for loss of hispid pocket mouse habitat.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

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

Community Phase 2.4 Annual Forbs/Bare Ground/Blue Grama/Sedges: (Prairie Dog Town): This plant community is a result of ecological services provided by long-term black-tailed prairie dog occupation coupled with the introduction of exotic cool-season grasses and annual forbs along Community Phase Pathway 2.3B or 2.2C. Black-tailed prairie dogs provide primary ecological services to transition to and maintain Plant Community Phase 2.4. Utilizing one or more tools in Community Phase Pathway 2.4A (e.g., removal of black- tailed prairie dogs, control of exotic perennial forbs, implementation of prescribed grazing) can move this community back to Phase 2.3, but this may require significant management and economic inputs.

Invertebrates: The loss of native forb diversity limits use by all pollinators. However, invasive forbs may provide limited seasonal use, dependent on bloom period. Bare ground, burrows, and short plant stature provide nest sites for bumblebees and other ground-nesting insects. Burrowing owls place dung around their burrow entrance, attracting dung beetles and other insects as a food source.

Birds: Burrowing owl and McCown’s longspur rely on the stature and composition that this plant community provides. Presence of black-tailed prairie dogs provided diverse prey populations for grassland raptors including burrowing owls, prairie falcons, and ferruginous hawks. Burrowing owls nest in abandoned prairie dog burrows.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals becomes limited. The loss of grass and forb diversity reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, white-tailed jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, and deer. Except for black-tailed prairie dog, this plant community provides little habitat for mid-sized or small herbivores. Nonetheless, black-tailed prairie dog towns provide important habitat for many mammal species including small rodents. Grazers, such as pronghorn, use prairie dog towns for foraging and loafing.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Prairie dog towns provide habitat for both amphibians and reptiles. Tiger salamanders, prairie rattlesnakes, and other snake species may use the burrow systems of prairie dogs for shelter and denning.

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

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs/Shrubs: Community Phase Pathway T2A is characterized by non-use or low intensity (<20% utilization) grazing and elimination of fire when exotic cool-season grasses are present (as in Community Phase 2.0). This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance (>30%) of exotic cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and crested wheatgrass. This state may have an increase in shrubs such as creeping juniper, rose, and buffaloberry. Restoration Pathway R3A requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool-season grasses and forbs.

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: Increase in exotic cool-season grasses begins to limit use by beneficial insects provided in States 1.0 and 2.0. Bare ground will be present in lesser amounts than 1.1 but some bare ground will be present due to the bunch type growth feature of exotic, cool-season, crested wheatgrass providing bare soil for ground nesting pollinator species. The lack of nectar- producing forbs may limit forage opportunities for bumblebees, regal fritillary, monarch butterfly, and other pollinating species. However, shrubs such as rose and buffaloberry provide nectar for pollinating insects.

Birds: The increase dominance of exotic cool-season Kentucky bluegrass and crested wheatgrass along with the increase in shrubs, such as creeping juniper and buffaloberry, limits habitat and life requisites for most obligate grassland-nesting birds.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

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, birds and their young. However, this droughty site will not produce a dense weed cover.

Successful restoration of native species along Transition Pathway R4B results in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Failed restoration to native species through Restoration Pathway R4A results in Invaded State 3.0. 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).

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

Available water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A; however, some soils are in group B. Infiltration varies from medium to very rapid; runoff potential varies from low to high depending on surface texture, slope percent, slope shape, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama and/or sedge will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook 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/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 present on the site.

Other products

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

Other information

Revision Notes
This ESD was developed in 2001 from the existing North and South Dakota Range Site Descriptions, expert opinion and available data. Rangeland Health Reference Worksheet was last updated in 2011. The site concept for this ecological site has remained constant. In 2011 this ESD was revised with the current knowledge, expertise and data. In 2016, Tammy DeCock added MLRA Notes, Site Concept, Revision Notes, Site Development and Testing Plan and made minor revisions with input from key resource professionals representing several agencies in ND and SD.

Site Development and Testing Plan
• Investigation is needed on Very Shallow sites with shale beds. Slight salinity (E.C. 4 to 8) and moderate sodicity (SAR 5 -10) are allowable on these soils. Saltgrass has been noted in association with soils – further documentation of the plant community is needed.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o Six components (2 major) of Beisigl, severely eroded (1 inch of sand over sandstone, barren) are currently assigned to Non-site. If Non-site is preferred, the series name may need to be removed (Ustipsamments or Rock Outcrop?). Otherwise, these components should be linked to Very Shallow.

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.