Physiographic features

This site typically occurs in deep depressions on uplands. It also occurs in upland drainageways and isolated, relict oxbows. Parent materials are local alluvium. Slope is less than 1 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

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

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

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

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Influencing water features

This site is very poorly drained. Under average climatic conditions, it is inundated for very long periods (>30 days) during the growing season. Some soils in this site have endosaturation (the soil is saturated with water in all layers) and others have episaturation (perched water table above a subsoil layer with low or moderately low saturated hydraulic conductivity). Water tables in endosaturated soils typically range from 1.5 feet above to 6 inches below the surface during most of the growing season. The depth of ponding on episaturated soils, typically, is less than 3 feet in the spring and less than 1.5 feet in late summer. Surface water may not be evident in late summer; but saturation is generally within a depth of 18 inches during this time.

Water on the site is typically received from upland runoff; however, where organic soils occur, subsurface water flow sustains near-surface saturated conditions throughout the growing season. Surface infiltration ranges from very slow to very rapid. Permeability ranges from very slow to moderate. These typically are flowthrough wetlands but can also be recharge wetlands. See Site Development and Testing plan for discussion of discharge wetlands.

Wetlands receive water from different sources including ground water movement. Recharge wetlands have groundwater flow predominantly away from the wetland moving toward or into a flowthrough or discharge wetland basin. Flowthrough wetlands have groundwater flowing away from the wetland basin but is balanced with water flowing into the basin.

Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration and lateral movement into (and evaporation from) adjacent soils. During periods of drought or extreme wetness, water table fluctuations will also have an impact on depth of ponding. 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).

Soils in these depressions are considered seasonal wetlands; however, during wetter than average climate cycles, these soils may have continuous, deep ponding throughout the growing season (or through multiple growing seasons).

Wetland description

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

Soil features

Soils associated with Shallow Marsh ES are primarily in the Mollisol order; however, a few Entisols are also included. The Mollisols are classified further as Vertic Argiaquolls or Vertic Epiaquolls. The Entisols are classified further as Vertic Fluvaquents. These soils were developed under wetland vegetation associated with very long periods of ponding. They formed in local alluvium from residuum or till. A few inches of organic materials are common on the surface of mineral soils that have never been cultivated.

The common feature of soils in this site is frequent seasonal inundation (typically extends into mid-summer or longer). The soils are very deep and very poorly drained; they occur in deep depressions that are ponded through most of the growing season. A few included soils occur in isolated, relict oxbows which are no longer significantly impacted by flooding. Soils associated with floodplains (occasional to very frequently flooded) are excluded from the Shallow Marsh ecological site (see Riparian Complex ecological sites). Surface textures, typically, are silty clay, clay, silty clay loam, or silt loam. However, since hydrology (surface and sub-surface) is the primary factor used in identifying this site, all textures are allowable in the site. Therefore, soil physical properties associated with texture may vary widely. Typically, the dark-colored surface soil is more than 7 inches thick and generally more than 20 inches thick; however, in isolated, relict oxbows, the surface layer is less than 3 inches thick. A few inches of organic materials are common on the surface of mineral soils that have never been cultivated.

Soil salinity is typically none to very slight (E.C. <4 dS/m) but slight (E.C. 4 to 8 dS/m) is allowable. Sodicity is typically none or very low (SAR <2); but SAR may be as high as 5 within a depth of 40 inches. Soil reaction typically is slightly acid to moderately alkaline (pH 6.1 to 8.4). The calcium carbonate content ranges from 0 to 35 percent.

Sub-surface soil layers are non-restrictive to root penetration, but in some soils water movement downward is slowed. These soils are not susceptible to water erosion. Ponded water conditions strongly influence the soil/water/plant relationship.
The major soil series correlated to the Shallow Marsh site are Dimmick, Grano, and Parnell. Also included are Lallie soils which occur in isolated, relict oxbows which are now more influenced by ponding than flooding.

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

Shallow Marsh Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Shallow Marsh ecological sites are very poorly drained soils located in depressions and relict oxbows. Associated ecological sites include Closed Depression, Loamy Overflow, Saline Lowland, and Wet Meadow. Shallow Marsh habitat features, and components commonly support grassland-nesting birds, notably birds utilizing wetland vegetation habitats (such as Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrow, sedge wren, and water and wading birds using uplands for nesting). Insects rely on associated forbs and grasses for survival and serve as food sources for birds and their young and as forage for small and large herbivores. Shallow Marsh ecological sites support a diversity of invertebrates important in the diet of water birds.

Shallow Marsh ecological sites may be found in four plant community states within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist within this ecological site dependent upon water levels, saturation, water and soil chemistry, and management. Today, these states occur primarily in response to precipitation (extended periods of above average precipitation or drought), water chemistry, fire, grazing, non-use (lack of management), and other anthropogenic disturbances.

Restoration pathway from State 2.0 back to State 1.0 may occur. The dominant ecological driver for Restoration Pathway R2A is increased water levels above plant height causing plant mortality, downing out exotic forbs and grasses. There is no expected pathway from State 3.0 to 2.0 mainly due to the presence of exotic species, mainly narrow-leaf cattail. Restoration is dependent upon a combination of a successful wetland restoration or seeding, increased water regime, chemical treatment, and/or sediment/nutrient removal. However, maintenance and/or restoration of adjacent upland ecological sites is critical for full restoration of the Shallow Marsh ecological site to Reference.

Non-anthropogenic Community Phase, Transition, and Restoration Pathways rely predominantly on water regime, either increasing or decreasing water depth with associated saturation. While tillage is the main anthropogenic impact to Shallow Marsh ecological sites within MLRA 54, heavy season-long grazing during a drawdown phase can cause saline soils (especially on discharge or flow-through sites). Degree of tillage and the length of time the site is tilled will have a significant impact on the ability of the site to follow Restoration Pathways R3A, R4A, and R4B. The longer the wetland is tilled, the fewer native wetland plant propagules are available to recolonize the wetland. Increased salinity due to tillage will also negatively impact restoration.

Native wildlife, dependent upon shallow wetlands found in the Shallow Marsh ecological site, generally benefit from the heterogeneous grasslands/graminoids found in Community Phases in States 1.0 and 2.0. Plant communities within States 1.0 and 2.0 are dependent upon long-term changes in precipitation and impacted by grazing intensity and frequency.

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 density.

Hydrological manipulation (surface or tile drainage, pumping, surface water diversion, etc.) modifies this ecological site’s functions, having a significant negative impact to wetland dependent wildlife such as invertebrates, amphibians, and water birds. Without restoring hydrologic function (which may include range seeding), managers need to reference state and transition models within those sites.
Hydrology will need to be fully restored in Wet Meadow and Shallow Marsh ecological sites for these sites to properly function. It is recommended that managers review the appropriate State and Transition Models prior to wetland restoration.

State 1: Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Normal Emergent Phase: Grasses/Sedges-Spikerushes-Bulrushes: This plant community offers quality vegetative cover for wetland associated wildlife; every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase in State 1.0. Water level is the main ecological driver maintaining this plant community. However, this phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period as well as prescribed burning.

Invertebrates: Shallow Marsh 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. The structure provided by vegetated wetlands increases the abundance of aquatic invertebrates compared to less vegetated sites. Maximum invertebrate production occurs when emergent and submergent vegetation are interspersed.

Insects play a role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds, wetland birds, and rodents. Early season pollinator plants are limited; however, a variety of forbs provide mid- to late-season pollen and nectar. Wet soil does not provide habitat for ground nesting pollinator species. This site does not provide habitat for Dakota skippers, regal fritillaries, or monarch butterflies. Depending on forb species composition, this site may be visited for nectar.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tallgrass-nesting birds especially those species preferring wetter (hydric) habitats (such as Nelson’s sparrow, black tern, northern harrier, sedge wren, waterfowl and other water birds). This site provides waterfowl pair bonding sites, excellent invertebrate food source for egg-laying water bird hens and water bird brood habitat. This plant community provides winter cover and escape for many upland birds. This site provides good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors, especially northern harrier.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores. In addition, it provides foraging opportunities for raccoon, skunks, coyotes, and other mammals that use wetlands and wetland edges for food resources. Tall- to mid-statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site can provide habitat for the northern leopard frog, Canadian toad, and tiger salamander. Duration of surface water provides for successful egg laying and tadpole development.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. As a seasonal wetland, it ponds water into mid-summer or longer. This site receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provides hydrology to shallow ground water and other surface waterbodies. Management on Shallow Marsh sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-off sites, will have a direct effect on aquatic species within the site and in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Shallow Marsh sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the adjacent aquatic ecosystems from State 1.0.

Community Phase 1.2 Open Water Phase: Submergent Vegetation-Buttercups: This plant community phase occurs during periods of increased water depth, usually associated with prolonged periods of above average precipitation. The increased ponded water depth favors submerged vegetation and may create a mosaic of vegetation in conjunction with Plant Community Phase 1.1 and 1.3. The forb community is limited to submerged vegetation with flowers borne just above the water surface.

Invertebrates: Invertebrate abundance and diversity will increase with submerged vegetation, while pollen and nectar sources for bees and butterflies is limited to mid- to late-season when flowers are borne on submerged vegetation above the water surface.

Birds: Dominated by submerged vegetation, this site provides high protein source for egg laying waterfowl hens. Dependent upon the duration of ponding into the growing season, the site will provide an excellent protein source for waterfowl broods with escape cover when associated with Plant Community Phase 1.1. This site provides good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors, especially northern harrier.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, this Plant Community Phase no longer provides thermal, protective, escape, and winter habitat for a big game animals and other 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 Drawdown Phase, Fresh: Grasses/Sedges-Spikerushes: This plant community occurs during the drawdown phase associated with prolonged periods of below average precipitation. The plant community is dominated by short- to mid-statured vegetation. This phase retains high functionality and, with average or above average precipitation via Community Phase Pathway 1.3A, will revert to Plant Community Phase 1.1.

Invertebrates: Insects play a role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds, wetland birds, and rodents. This plant community contains a variety of forbs providing season-long pollen and nectar. However, due to wet soils, ground nesting pollinator species do not prefer this site. Dakota skippers, regal fritillaries, or monarch butterflies will use this site when swamp milkweed, New England aster, or goldenrods occupy this site.

A diverse suite of aquatic invertebrates still occurs in this plant community phase; however, abundance is reduced due to loss of emergent vegetation. Rapid warming during spring snowmelt allows the invertebrate population to flourish.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, a shorter statured plant community favors bird species that prefer short- to mid-statured vegetation.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the shorter statured vegetation limits thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the lack of surface water does not provide the opportunity for successful egg-laying and tadpole development habitat.

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

Community Phase 1.4 Drawdown Phase, Brackish: Foxtail Barley/Spikerushes/Dock-Goosefoot: This plant community phase occurs during the drawdown phase caused by long-term, below average precipitation coupled with season-long grazing. Increased salinity occurs allowing grazing tolerant foxtail barley to become one of the dominant species in this plant community. Grazing tolerant spikerush species increase along with weedy native forbs (goosefoot/dock).

Invertebrates: Pollinator friendly forbs decrease as salinity and foxtail barley increase - limiting pollen and nectar availability. Bare ground increases but few ground nesting species, if any within MLRA 54, use saline soils for nesting sites. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: This plant community phase does not provide waterfowl brood habitat. Depending on spring moisture conditions, waterfowl may find abundant invertebrate populations during the breeding season. As the site draws down, wading bird habitat increases as shallow water increases and as taller vegetation is replaced with increasing amount of bare ground. Invertebrates remain abundant early in the growing season unless prolonged below average precipitation persists drying of the soil, reducing invertebrate abundance and diversity.

Mammals: A shift to short-grass species, drier soil conditions, and increased salinity reduces habitat for large mammals (such as white-tailed deer) while still providing vegetative cover for small mammals. Thermal, escape, and winter cover is no longer provided for larger ungulates. Foraging opportunities for raccoon, skunks, coyotes, and other mammals becomes limited.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Loss of surface water and increased salinity reduces habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Tiger salamander habitat is lost while saline soils are not favored by frogs and toad species.

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

State 2: Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Normal Emergent Phase: Grasses/Sedges-Spikerushes-Bulrushes/Exotics: This transition from the State 1: Reference State to State 2: Native/Invaded State results from the colonization and establishment of exotic plants, often exotic strains of reed canarygrass. Exotic forbs that may occur include the hybrid cattail (cross between narrowleaf and broadleaf cattail), Canada thistle, and purple loosestrife.

Heavy season-long grazing, prolonged periods of no use and no fire, and a decrease in the water regime of the site are often involved with this transition. Excessive litter accumulation provides conditions favorable to exotic strains and/or hybrids of reed canarygrass and/or cattails which can quickly spread to form virtual monocultures. As a result, the transition to State 3: Invaded State can be expected. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Plant Community 1.1. Managers should consider management within the State 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 Drawdown Phase, Brackish: Foxtail Barley/Spikerushes/Exotics: This plant community phase occurs with heavy season-long grazing combined with a drawdown phase and increased salinity. Grazing and salt tolerant foxtail barley and assorted forbs dominate the site while wheat sedge and other native grasses decline.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4. Heavy season-long grazing and saline soils do not allow flowering plants to recover, limiting pollen and nectar resources for bees and other pollinating insects. In addition, a shift from perennial to annual forbs reduces season-long pollen and nectar sources for pollinating insect species. These annual forbs do not provide pollen and nectar resources at the same high level as native forbs provide. Prolonged periods of reduced precipitation favor ground nesting pollinators; however, increased compaction from mechanical impacts or increased livestock presence negatively impacts ground nesting pollinator opportunities. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

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

Community Phase 2.3 Drawdown Phase, Fresh: Spikerushes/Hybrid Cattail: This plant community phase occurs with heavy season-long grazing combined with a drawdown phase. This combination favors spike rushes and annual forbs.

Invertebrates: Heavy season-long grazing, coupled with reduced to no ponding, favors annual forbs and spikerushes limiting pollen and nectar resources for bees and other pollinating insects. These annual forbs do not provide pollen and nectar resources at the same high level as native forbs provide. Prolonged periods of reduced precipitation favor ground nesting pollinators; however, increased compaction from mechanical impacts or increased livestock presence negatively impacts ground nesting pollinator opportunities. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates until the site is inundated again.

Birds: This shorter, drier plant community reduces or eliminates nesting, brooding, or feeding opportunities for waterfowl and other water birds.

Mammals: Short spikerushes and annual forbs provide limited resources for mammals of all sizes. Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

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

State 3: Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Hybrid Cattail or Reed Canarygrass: Eutrophication and sedimentation of the site, often due to tillage on or adjacent to the site, transitions this plant community to one dominated by hybrid cattails or exotic strains/hybrids of reed canarygrass. Monotypic stands of hybrid cattail generally develop and out-compete other grasses, graminoids or forbs. Mechanical treatment, sediment removal, prescribed burning, reseeding, and buffer reestablishment may all be needed to restore this site to State 1.0 (via Restoration Pathway R3A) or State 2.0 (via Restoration Pathway R3B). Extended periods of above average precipitation along with mechanical treatment, sediment removal, prescribed burning, and reseeding (via Restoration Pathway R3A or R3B) can move this plant community back to State 1.0 or 2.0.

Invertebrates: Saturated to ponded soils favor aquatic invertebrates. Monotypic stands of hybrid cattail or reed canarygrass limit forb species, providing a decrease in pollen and nectar sources for insects. Restoration efforts, including prescribed grazing, can reduce hybrid cattail and reed canarygrass while increasing forb diversity. The initial flush of forbs may be Canada thistle and field sowthistle resulting from restoration efforts, especially prescribed grazing.

Birds: Monotypic stands of hybrid cattail or reed canarygrass reduce water bird use. LeConte’s and Nelson’s sparrow, marsh wren, and yellow rail favor this plant community. American bittern may use this site. Yellow-headed and red-winged black birds use cattail dominated wetlands for roosting, especially in late summer and early fall prior to migration. This plant community can provide winter cover for ring-necked pheasants when located near a winter food source. Restoration efforts, including prescribed grazing, can reduce hybrid cattail and reed canary grass - increasing open water which provides foraging and breeding habitat for dabbling ducks and shore birds including an excellent food source of aquatic invertebrates.

Mammals: Monotypic stands of hybrid cattail or reed canarygrass provide winter cover for large herbivores including white-tailed deer and moose. Depending on degree of ponding or saturation, this plant community may provide season-long escape cover for white-tailed deer. Tall- to mid- statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large 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.

State 4: Go-Back State

Community Phase 4.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: Following cropland abandonment, these plant communities are dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable and dependent upon water depth and length of time the wetland has been in crop production contributing to eutrophication and sedimentation of wetland basin. Hybrid cattail, Canada thistle, field sowthistle, other annual weeds (dock, smartweed, barnyard grass, etc.), quackgrass, foxtail barley, slough grass, and pioneering spikerush species are
typical pioneer species. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing insect presence. Tall stature provided by some weeds offers thermal cover and seeds throughout winter. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon ponded water depth, plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as wetland restoration, sediment removal, prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

Successful restoration of native species along Transition Pathway R4A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Management activities within State 2.0 are needed to avoid a transition out of State 2.0. Unsuccessful wetland restoration or unsuccessful native forb and grass seeding along Transition Pathway R4B will result in State 3.0.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
Note: When interpreting plant production to determine stocking rate, several things must be taken into consideration. Annual production is highly variable and subject to wide fluctuations, palatability is generally low, seasonally quite variable, and access to the forage can be limited due to water levels. As a result, caution must be exercised so that the stocking rate is based on a realistic on an inventory or a reasonable estimate of usable forage. 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 year’s 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

Under unaltered hydrologic conditions, the site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D; where significantly impacted by drainage practices, these soils are in hydrologic group A/D, B/D, or C/D depending upon soil texture. Infiltration varies from very slow to very rapid; runoff potential for this site is none to negligible.

Hydrological manipulation (surface or tile drainage, pumping, surface water diversion, etc.) modifies this ecological site. Under natural conditions, this ecological site includes a wide range of soil textures; after hydrologic manipulation, soil texture often becomes a more significant factor in vegetative response. If the degree of manipulation allows soil texture to influence the plant community or if altered soil properties (i.e., salinization or the addition of fill material) results in vegetation change, a transition to a completely different ecological site may have occurred. The transition to an altogether different ecological site will depend upon severity of altered hydrology, soil properties, and corresponding vegetation. Due to the many variables (e.g., hydrology, success and type of drainage, etc.), impacts to the ecological site will be site-specific. As a result, each situation will require field investigation to determine what, if any, change in ecological site designation is necessary and proceed accordingly.

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

Recreational uses

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

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

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

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

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

Hunting/Fishing: MLRA 54 is a fall destination for thousands of pheasant and upland game bird hunters. This MLRA also provides excellent deer (white-tailed and mule), pronghorn, and coyote hunting opportunities. Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Lake Tschida, and the Missouri River provide excellent year-round fishing opportunities. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks manage approximately 40 fishing lakes within the MLRA. Available species include yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Chinook salmon are stocked in Lake Sakakawea.

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

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

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are 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 investigation is needed on the range of landforms and soil textures (and associated properties) and their relationship to hydrology/plant dynamics.
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model may be needed to identify disturbance driven dynamics. Additional states and/or phases may be required to address grazing response.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data; however, this data needs review. If geo-referenced sites meeting Tier 3 standards for either vegetative or soil data are not available, representative sites will be selected for further investigation.
• Site concepts will be refined as the above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o One major component of McKeen, very poorly drained should be relinked form Non-site to Shallow Marsh.
o One very poorly drained, frequently flooded, major component of Banks should be relinked from Shallow Mash to Riparian Complex. Consider changing the component name to Psammaquent.
o Consider relinking frequently flooded Lallie from Shallow Marsh to Riparian Complex
o Consider relinking Mckeen components from Wet Meadow and Shallow Mash to Riparian Complex.
o One major Mckeen component needs to be relinked from Non-site to ether Riparian Complex or Shallow Marsh.
o Consider relinking Minnewaukan components from Shallow Marsh to Riparian Complex.

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.