Physiographic features

This site typically occurs in depressions and low-lying flats on uplands (till plains and sedimentary plains), in upland drainageways, and in swales on sand sheets. Also, a few sites occur in relict oxbows now isolated from frequent stream flooding. The parent materials vary widely. Slope is 2 percent or less.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 54 is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are characteristic. The 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. The 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 annual range attests to the continental nature of this MLRA's climate. Hourly winds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime 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 to early to mid July. Native warm-season plants begin growth in mid May and continue to the end of August. Green up of cool-season plants can occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Influencing water features

This site is poorly drained. Many areas of this site receive additional water as surface runoff from adjacent uplands. Under average climatic conditions, the soils in depressions are frequently ponded in April and May and occasionally ponded in June. Depth of ponding typically is less than 1.5 feet during these months. In mid and late summer, ponded water commonly is not evident except after heavy rains. Ponding is rare on upland flats and occasional in swales on sand sheets.

When not ponded, a seasonal high-water table typically fluctuates with precipitation events between the surface and a depth of 1.5 feet during the months of April through June. In most soils, it is within a depth 3.5 feet through the remainder of the growing season. Some of the soils in this site have endosaturation (the soil is saturated with water in all layers) and some have episaturation (perched water table above a subsoil layer with slow or moderately slow permeability).

Surface infiltration ranges from slow to rapid. Permeability typically ranges from slow to rapid; some soils have a coarser-textured substratum with very rapid permeability. Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration.

Wetlands receive water from different sources including ground water movement. Recharge wetlands (Wet Meadow) are epi-saturated, receiving water from the surface, and have groundwater flow predominantly away from the wetland moving toward or into a discharge (endo-saturated) wetland basin or drainageway.
Flowthrough wetlands have groundwater flowing away from the wetland basin but is balanced with water flowing into the basin.

Due to the potential high rate of surface evaporation along drainageways, these Wet Meadow drainageways are at risk of becoming saline if vegetative cover is reduced or removed.

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, especially in sandy soils. During periods of drawdown (e.g., prolonged drought), soil and water chemistry may significantly impact the soil/water/vegetation dynamics of the site (see Site Development and Testing Plan).

Fluctuations in specific conductance are less pronounced during average or normal water conditions than during periods of excessive water depth or extreme drought. The approximate normal and extreme range in specific conductance (micromhos/cm3) of surface water in plant communities that are indicators of differences in average salinity are as follows:


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

Wetland description

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

Soil features

Soils associated with Wet Meadow ES are in the Mollisol and Entisol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Argiaquic Argialbolls, Typic Calciaquolls, and Typic Endoaquolls. The Entisols are classified further as Vertic Fluvaquents. These soils were developed under wetland vegetation. They formed in local alluvium from till and residuum, eolian deposits, or in stream alluvium (in relict oxbows).

The common feature of soils in this site are inundation or near-surface saturation in the early part of the growing season. The soils are very deep and poorly drained. Since hydrology (surface and sub-surface) is the primary factor used in identifying this site, all textures are included. Therefore, soil physical properties associated with texture vary widely.

Soil salinity is none to slight (E.C. <8 dS/m) to a depth of >20 inches. Sodicity is none or slight in the upper part of the soil (SAR <5); SAR values as high as 10 may occur below a depth of 20 inches. Soil reaction ranges from moderately acid to moderately alkaline (pH 5.6 to 8.4). The calcium carbonate content is none to high (0 to 45 percent).

The soil surface is stable and intact. In some soils, sub-surface layers are non-restrictive to water movement; in other soils a layer of clay accumulation slows water movement and prolongs surface ponding. The soil/water/plant relationship is strongly influenced by ponded/and or saturated conditions.
Major soil series correlated to the Wet Meadow site are Arveson, Lallie, Marysland, Regan, Tonka, Hamar, Vallers, Mckeen and Minnewaukan.

Access Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape

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

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA:

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

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA:

Following European influence, domestic livestock grazing, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced plant community composition and abundance. Agriculture, transportation corridors, and energy development are the main factors contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area-sensitive species. These influences fragmented the landscape; reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire); and introduced exotic species including smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge. This further impacted plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, and fire as primary ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife, moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape. Included in this MLRA are the isolated Killdeer Mountains (limestone capped residual butte) containing bur oak, quaking aspen, green ash, paper birch, and American elm. Except for floodplain forests within the MLRA, the Killdeer Mountains contain the largest deciduous forest in southwestern North Dakota.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Species of Concern within the MLRA:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grassland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wet Meadow Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Wet Meadow ecological sites are poorly drained soils located primarily in depressions and on low- lying flats on upland (till plains and sedimentary plains). It also occurs in upland drainageways, in swales on sand sheets, and in relict oxbows now isolated from frequent stream flooding. Associated ecological sites include Closed Depression, Loamy, Loamy Overflow, Loamy Terrace, Sands, Sandy Terrace, Saline Lowland, Shallow Marsh, and Thin Claypan. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species preferring short- to tall-statured vegetation.

Wet Meadow habitat features and components commonly support grassland-nesting birds, notably birds utilizing wetland vegetation habitats (such as Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrow and sedge wren). Sharp-tailed grouse use this site for wintering and escape cover. 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. When dominated by trees such as eastern cottonwood or aspen, these sites provide excellent food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for white-tailed deer and moose.

Wet Meadow ecological sites may be found in seven 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 normal precipitation or drought), water chemistry, fire, grazing, non-use (lack of management), and other anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along Transitional Pathways to invaded plant communities of other States. Native wildlife, dependent upon shallow wetlands as found in the Wet Meadow ecological site, generally benefit from the heterogeneous grasslands/graminoids found in Community Phases in States 1.0 and 2.0. Plant communities within State 2.0 are dependent upon long-term changes in precipitation (compounded by grazing intensity and frequency). The transition to wetter or drier conditions results in a plant community that is either taller in stature (such as Plant Community Phase 2.1 Sedges/Prairie Cordgrass) in wetter conditions, or shorter in stature (such as 2.3 Foxtail Barley/Mountain Rush-Spikerush/Bare Ground) in drier conditions.

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.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Sedges/Prairie Cordgrass: This plant community offers quality vegetative cover for wetland wildlife; every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period as well as prescribed fire. Prescribed fire maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for wetland bird species sensitive to woody vegetation.

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.

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

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, American avocet, Wilson’s phalarope, etc.). This site can provide waterfowl pair bonding sites, early season invertebrate food sources, and early season shorebird habitat. The rapid warming during spring snowmelt provides water birds an abundant invertebrate protein source for egg laying. Prescribed fire maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites or nesting habitat. However, it does provide winter cover and escape habitat, as well as brood-rearing habitat. 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 including arctic and pygmy shrew, rodents, jackrabbits, and deer (white-tailed and mule), elk, and moose. Tall- to mid-statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover 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.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site can provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad. Dependent upon the duration of surface water, this site may provide breeding habitat. Successful egg-laying and tadpole development habitat is dependent upon depth and duration of ponded water.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. This site receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provides hydrology to shallow ground water and other surface waterbodies. Management on Wet Meadow sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-off sites, will have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Wet Meadow sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the adjacent aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Fowl Bluegrass/Spikerushes-Mountain Rush/Forbs: This plant community phase occurs during periods of below normal precipitation lowering the water table. The lower water table allows the plant community to shift fowl bluegrass and mid-statured grass-likes, mountain rush, and spikerushes. The forb community remains robust favoring pollinator insects. This plant community provides a quality food source for grassland nesting birds.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below normal precipitation allows for an increase in forbs; this provides increased pollen and nectar sources and increased bare ground for ground-nesting insects. The diverse suite of aquatic invertebrates found in Community Phase 1.1 is reduced and may only be found in spring during periods of snowmelt runoff.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, decreased surface water reduces invertebrate production and use by waterfowl and shorebirds. The drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below normal precipitation provides additional opportunities for grassland nesting birds that use mid-to tall-statured herbaceous vegetation found in a mesic (dry) vs. hydric habitats.
Mammals: A shorter statured mix of wetland vegetation reduces thermal, protective, escape, and winter habitat for a big game animals and other small herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below normal precipitation removes saturated soil and/or ponded water. Use by northern leopard frog and Canadian toad will decrease. This plant community may provide foraging but breeding habitat will be lost for egg-laying and tadpole development without ponded water.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, decreased runoff from this site may reduce stream flows or water quantity in other aquatic sites.

2.0 Native Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Sedges/Prairie Cordgrass: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1 due to changes in management and the presence of non-native species (such as reed canarygrass, redtop, Kentucky bluegrass, field sowthistle, and Canada thistle). This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Plant Community 1.1 with a wide array of forbs providing nectar and pollen sources for pollinating species. Managers should consider management within the State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to avoid transitioning to other states within this ecological site.

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 Fowl Bluegrass/Spikerushes-Mountain Rush/Forbs: This plant community phase occurs with heavy season-long grazing coupled with periods of below normal precipitation lowering the water table. Grazing tolerant rush and spikerush species increase while prairie cordgrass and sedges decline.

Invertebrates: Heavy season-long grazing does 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. 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 1.2. In addition, the drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below normal precipitation provides additional opportunities for grassland nesting birds that use mid-to short-statured herbaceous vegetation found in a mesic (dry) vs. hydric habitats.

Mammals: A shift to mid- to short-grass species and drier soil conditions reduces habitat for large mammals, such as white-tailed deer, while still providing vegetative cover for small mammals. Thermal, escape, and winter cover becomes limited for larger ungulates.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2; however, heavy grazing coupled with below normal precipitation will reduce habitat for amphibians.

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

2.3 Foxtail Barley/Mountain Rush-Spikerushes/Bare Ground: This plant community phase occurs with heavy season-long grazing, coupled with periods of below normal precipitation, lowering the water table and increasing salinity. Grazing tolerant foxtail barley begins to dominate the site. Grazing tolerant rush and spikerushes increase along with bare ground.

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: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. In addition, the drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below normal precipitation provides additional opportunities for grassland nesting birds that use short-statured herbaceous vegetation found in a mesic (dry) vs. hydric habitats.

Mammals: A shift to short-grass species and drier soil conditions reduces habitat for large mammals, such as white-tailed deer, while still providing vegetative cover for small mammals. Thermal, escape, and winter cover is no longer provided for larger ungulates.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2; however, increased salinity may increase salinity into waters receiving runoff from this site.

3.0 Wooded State

Community Phase 3.1 Willows: The elimination of fire or mechanical disturbance, via Transitional Pathway T2A, allow for sandbar and Bebb willow species to dominate this site. Shade tolerant sedges and rushes dominate the shrub understory. Trees, such as Plains cottonwood, may also occur on the site - particularly as a ring of trees at the margins of wetlands. Restoration to State 2.0 via Restoration Pathway R3A requires a combination of mechanical and herbicide application coupled with repeated prescribed burns.

Invertebrates: The invasion of woody vegetation reduces habitat for pollinator insects within MLRA 54. Season-long pollen and nectar availability is limited on this site due to an understory of sedges and rushes. However, willow species provide an early season pollen source for native and honeybees. Overall, pollinator plant diversity is low, limiting season-long nectar and pollen production.

Birds: Dependent upon degree of invasion by willows and trees, grassland nesting birds which are sensitive to woody vegetation encroachment will discontinue use of this community phase. Shrub tolerant grassland birds may continue to use this site. Willows provide thermal and escape cover for year-long residents. Willow thickets provide habitat for brown-headed cowbirds, increasing nest parasitism on adjacent grassland nesting bird communities.

Mammals: Shrubs/trees will provide increased year-round cover for white-tailed deer, moose, and elk. Mammals, such as porcupines, that prefer woody habitat will use this site.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Willows should not impact use of this ecological site by the Canadian Toad.

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

4.0 Invaded Saline State

Community Phase 4.1 Foxtail Barley/Exotic Grasses/Exotic Forbs: This change in states and plant community phase occurs during periods of long term below normal precipitation lowering the water table and increasing salinity. Coupled with increased animal impact, disturbance-tolerant non-native species (such as foxtail barley, quackgrass, Canada thistle, and field sowthistle) dominate this plant community phase. Foxtail barley will dominate with increased salinity. Extended periods of above normal precipitation along Restoration Pathway R4A can move this plant community back to State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Canada thistle and field sowthistle provide mid- to late-season pollen. This plant community has a low diversity with limited early- to mid-season forbs. Bare ground increases but few ground nesting species, if any within MLRA 54, use this plant community for nesting sites. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: Heavy season-long grazing coupled with a dominance of cool-season exotic grasses and foxtail barley provides limited nesting habitat for grassland birds. Foraging by water birds is limited, except during periods of inundation. Lack of forbs limits invertebrate production for grassland birds.

Mammals: Dominated by foxtail barley thermal, escape, and winter cover is no longer provided for small or large mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: During period of inundation, amphibians tolerant to salinity may use this site.

Fish and Mussels: Increased salinity may increase salinity into waters receiving runoff from this site.

5.0 Invaded/Fresh Water State

Community Phase 5.1 Exotic Grasses/Exotic Forbs/Sedges/Rushes: This plant community phase occurs during periods of below normal precipitation lowering the water table with water chemistry remaining fresh. Coupled with increased animal impact, disturbance-tolerant non-native species (such as quackgrass, Canada thistle, and field sowthistle) dominate this plant community phase. Foxtail barley will not dominate the site unless water chemistry increases in salinity. Extended periods of above normal precipitation along Restoration Pathway R5A can move this plant community back to State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Canada thistle and field sowthistle provide mid- to late-season pollen. This plant community has a low diversity with limited early- to mid-season forbs. Bare ground increases for ground nesting species. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: Decreased surface water reduces invertebrate production and use by waterfowl and shorebirds. The drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below normal precipitation provides additional opportunities for grassland nesting birds that use mid-to tall-statured herbaceous vegetation found in a mesic (dry) vs. hydric habitats.

Mammals: Exotic grasses (such as reed canarygrass, smooth brome, quackgrass, etc.) may provide thermal, escape, or winter cover for mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Below normal precipitation limits production of invertebrates used by water birds.

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

6.0 Invaded/Eutrophication State

Community Phase 6.1 Hybrid Cattail or Reed Canarygrass: Community Phase: 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. Hybrid cattail or reed canary grass generally develop into monotypic stands (outcompeting other grasses, graminoids or forbs). Extended periods of above normal precipitation along with mechanical treatment, sediment removal, prescribed burning, and reseeding via Restoration Pathway R6A can move this plant community back to State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Saturated or 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 and yellow rail favor this plant community. American bittern may use this site. Restoration efforts, including prescribed grazing, can reduce hybrid cattail and reed canary grass; this increases open water providing 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. This plant community 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: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

7.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 7.1 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, but will consist of Canada thistle, field sowthistle, other annual weeds (dock, smartweed, barnyard grass, etc.), quackgrass, foxtail barley, slough grass, and pioneering spikerush 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 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 wetland restoration and seeding of native species along Transition Pathway R7A 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 may lead to States 4.0, 5.0 or 6.0 dependent upon site hydrological modifications and restoration, salinity, and other site-related issues.

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

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 slow to rapid; runoff potential varies from negligible to medium for this site depending on surface and subsoil texture, 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 exception would be where shortgrasses form a dense sod and dominate the site. 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).

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 sediment or 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 wide range of landforms and soil textures (and associated properties) and their relationship to hydrology/plant dynamics.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data. Vegetative data for calcareous soils in Wet Meadow needs review and more data likely needs to be collected. 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.
• 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.
• 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 channeled, frequently flooded, poorly drained phase of Trembles should be relinked from Wet Meadow to Riparian Complex.
o Consider relinking Aveson, channeled component from Wet Meadow to Riparian Complex.
o Minnewaukan and McKeen soils series need to be evaluated for inclusion into the Riparian Complex ESD.

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.