Physiographic features

This site typically occurs on glaciated uplands. Most commonly, it is on rises on ground moraines and lake plains; on back slopes on moraines; and on side slopes of escarpments. It also occurs on flats on outwash plains. On ground moraines and moraines, the parent material is either fine-loamy or coarse-loamy till or fine-silty loess over till. On lake plains, the parent material is fine-silty, coarse-silty, fine-loamy or coarse-loamy glaciolacustrine sediments. On escarpments, the parent material is till or colluvium (at least 20 inches thick) over weathered shale. On outwash plains, the parent material is fine-loamy glaciofluvial deposits (at least 20 inches thick) over coarser glaciofluvial deposits. Included in this site are terraces which are no longer impacted by frequent flooding. Slopes range from 0 to 35 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 55B 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 16 to 21 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 41.5° F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 2° F (Maddock, ND) to about 11° F (Mellette, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 67° F (Maddock, ND) to about 73° F (Redfield 2 NE, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 64° F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this MLRA's climate. Winds 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) BUTTE 5SE [USC00321225], Butte, ND

• (2) CARRINGTON [USC00321360], Carrington, ND

• (3) FORMAN 5 SSE [USC00323117], Forman, ND

• (4) HARVEY 4NE [USC00324013], Harvey, ND

• (5) LA MOURE [USC00324937], Lamoure, ND

• (6) MELLETTE 4 W [USC00395456], Northville, SD

• (7) REDFIELD [USC00397052], Redfield, SD

• (8) PETERSBURG 2 N [USC00327027], Petersburg, ND

Influencing water features

This site does not receive additional water as runoff from adjacent slopes (it is commonly in a run-off landscape position). Neither does it receive significant additional water from a seasonal high water table. Depth to the water table exceeds 3 feet in the spring and ranges from 4 feet to more than 6 feet during the summer months. Surface infiltration is moderately slow or moderate. Saturated hydraulic conductivity throughout the profile typically is moderately high; however, in soils with contrasting substratum materials, it is very high where gravelly and moderately low where weathered shale beds occur. Water loss is through evapotranspiration and percolation below the root zone. Where this site occurs on terraces, flooding frequency is none to occasional.

Soil features

Soils associated with Loamy ES are in the Mollisol order. The Mollisols are classified further as Calcic Argiudolls, Pachic Argiudolls, Calcic Hapludolls, Typic Hapludolls, Pachic Hapludolls, Oxyaquic Hapludolls, Glossic Natrudolls (<35% clay), and Cumulic Hapludolls (>6% slope on uplands or on terraces). These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. The soils in this site commonly formed in till, silty loess over till, glaciolacustrine sediments, or colluvium from till or residuum. A few formed in alluvium.

The common feature of soils in this site are the medium and moderately fine textures through most of the root zone. Surface textures most commonly are loam or silt loam; but clay loam and silty clay loam are included. Also, fine sandy loam is allowable where it is <10 inches thick. Most of these soils are very deep; however, some are moderately deep (20 to 40 inches) to layers of weathered shale or sand and gravel. They are moderately well drained or well drained. Where present, redoximorphic features are deeper than 3 feet.

Soil salinity, typically, is none to very slight (E.C. <4) in the surface layer and upper subsoil; however, E.C. as high as 8 is allowable in the upper subsoil. In some soils it increases to moderate (E.C 8 - <16) in the lower subsoil and substratum. Sodicity is none to low to a depth of more than 30 inches in most soils; but in some soils, it is moderate in the subsoil. Soils with moderate salinity or sodicity within a depth 20 inches have visible gypsum accumulations in the subsoil.

Soil reaction is slightly acid to slightly alkaline (pH 6.1 to 7.8) in the surface layer and upper part of the subsoil. It commonly increases to moderately alkaline (pH 7.9 to 8.4) in the lower subsoil; this is most commonly due to a layer of calcium carbonate accumulation, but it can also be due to increased sodicity. Where carbonate accumulation is present, this layer is typically below a depth of 12 inches and the layers above do not effervesce. In the layer of accumulation, CaCO3 can be >30 percent below a depth of 20 inches. In a few soils, soil reaction may be strongly alkaline (pH 8.5 to 9.0) in the lower subsoil and substratum.

Some pedestaling of plants occurs, but it is not very evident on casual observation and occurs on less than 5% of the plants. Water flow paths are typically non-existent. The soil surface is stable and intact. These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases where vegetative cover is not adequate. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Major soil series correlated to the Loamy site are: Aastad, Barnes, Beotia, Cathay, Camtown, Darnen, Doland, Eckman, Edgeley, Emrick, Estelline, Fordville, Forman, Gardena, Great Bend, Heimdal, Kensal, Kranzburg, La Prairie (>6% slope), LaDelle (rarely flooded), Lankin, Overly, Poinsett, Putney, Rentill, Spottswood, Svea, Vang, Vida, Vienna, and Walsh.

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 55B landscape is characterized by mostly nearly level to gently rolling till plains with some steep slopes adjacent to streams and many poorly defined drainage channels. The continental drainage divide occurs in the east-central part of the MLRA. The MLRA is located within the Prairie Pothole Region with temporary, seasonal, and semi-permanent wetlands throughout the MLRA. The MLRA includes areas of kettle holes, kames, and moraines. MLRA 55B is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of MLRA 55B. This area supports mid- to tall-grass prairie vegetation with quaking aspen, American elm, bur oak, green ash, and willow species growing along the riparian zones of river systems found throughout the MLRA. Complex, intermingled ecological sites create diverse grass/shrub land habitats interspersed with varying densities of linear, slope, depressional, and in-stream wetlands associated with headwater streams and tributaries of the James, Pipestem, Maple, Goose, Sheyenne, Wild Rice, and Elm Rivers. MLRA 55B is located within North and South Dakota and within the boundaries of the Prairie Pothole Region.

Two major Hydrologic Unit Areas make up this MLRA. 46% of the MLRA drains into the James River while 48% drains into the Sheyenne River and other tributaries to the Red River (in MLRA 56). Only 6% drains into the Mouse River (in MLRA 55A) watershed.

By the mid-19th century the over 76% of the MLRA had been converted from mid- to tall-grass prairie to annual crop production. To alleviate crop production loss from wetlands and overland flow, a system of shallow surface ditches, judicial ditches, and road ditches removes surface water in spring and during high rainfall events. Tile drainage systems have been or are being installed extensively throughout MLRA 55B for sub-surface field drainage to enhance annual crop production.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55B:

The northern tall- and mixed-grass prairie were disturbance-driven ecosystems with fire, herbivory, and climate functions as the primary ecological drivers - either singly or often in combination. American bison roamed MLRA 55B wintering along the Mouse River in MLRA 55A and migrating through MLRA 55B and into MLRA 56. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, elk, moose, pronghorn, and large herds of American bison were historically among the inhabitants adapted to this region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammals and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to large predators such as the wolf, American black bear, grizzly bear, and smaller carnivores such as the coyote, bobcat, red fox, and raptors. Extirpated species include free-ranging American bison and gray wolf (breeding). Extinct is the Rocky Mountain locust.

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55B:

This area supports natural prairie vegetation characterized by western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, needle and thread, and blue grama. Little bluestem is an important species on the more sloping and shallower soils. Prairie cordgrass, northern reedgrass, big bluestem, and slough sedge are important species on wet soils. Western snowberry, leadplant, and prairie rose are commonly interspersed throughout the area.

Over 80% of MLRA 55B has been converted to annual crop production. These influences fragmented the landscape, reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire), and introduced exotic plant species including smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge; this further impacted plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison 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. Annual cropping is the main factor contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area-sensitive species.

Hydrological manipulation is extensive throughout the MLRA. Extensive surface wetland drainage and subsurface tile drainage has taken place. Ephemeral and intermittent streams and the James, Wild Rice, and Sheyenne River have been straightened - removing sinuosity, creating oxbows, converting riparian zones to annual crop production. These anthropogenic impacts have reduced flood water detention and retention on the landscape. The results have been increasing storm water runoff sediment and nutrient loading to the James and Sheyenne Rivers and their tributaries (along with lakes and reservoirs within the MLRA). The installation of instream structures has reduced aquatic species movement within the MLRA.

National wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, state wildlife management areas, and North Dakota Department of Trust Lands provide herbaceous and woody cover for wildlife. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Bureau of Reclamation manage 3 man-made reservoirs - Jamestown Reservoir (2,036 acres), Pipestem Reservoir (1,027 acres), and Lake Ashtabula (5,174 acres) for flood control providing fish habitat and adjacent uplands for wildlife cover. Lonetree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is the largest state managed wildlife area covering 32,800 acres. The largest refuges managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife service are: Arrowood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex which consists of 75,000 acres; Tewaukon National NWR which covers 8,363 acres; and, in South Dakota, the Sand Lake NWR consists of 21,498 acres.

Some characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

Birds: Common loon, common goldeye, bufflehead, ruffed grouse, broad-winged hawk, alder flycatcher, mourning warbler, mallard, blue-winged teal, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, killdeer, eastern and western kingbird, American crow, common yellowthroat, clay-colored sparrow, vesper sparrow, red-necked grebe, Savannah sparrow, downy and hairy woodpeckers, black-capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, and brown-headed cowbird.

Mammals: Northern short-tailed shrew, white-tailed jackrabbit, Franklin’s ground squirrel, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, northern pocket gopher, plains pocket gopher, western harvest mouse, deer mouse, meadow vole, meadow jumping mouse, western jumping mouse, coyote, red fox, racoon, American badger, striped skunk, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, beaver, muskrat, mink, weasel, woodchuck, red, and eastern gray and fox squirrels.

Reptiles/Amphibians: American toad, Great Plains toad, northern leopard frog, chorus frog, tiger salamander, plains garter snake, smooth green snake, wood frog, and common garter snake.

Presence of wildlife species is often determined by ecological site characteristics including grass and forb species, tree and shrub species, hydrology, aspect, and other associated ecological sites. The home ranges of a majority species are usually 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 in 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, woodpeckers, woodland edge and interior species, and their young. Extensive use of insecticides for specialty crops such as soybeans, corn, and other crops has greatly reduced insects within this MLRA.

Species of Concern within MLRA 55B:

The following is a list of species considered “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015) and South Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2014); and species listed as “threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act within MLRA 55B at the time this section was developed:

Invertebrates: Dakota skipper, Dakota stonefly, Iowa skipper, monarch butterfly, northern sandy tiger beetle, Ottoe skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, regal fritillary, yellow-banded bumble bee, and western bumble bee.

Birds: American kestrel, American white pelican, Baird’s sparrow, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, black tern, bobolink, burrowing owl, canvasback, chestnut-collared longspur, Dickcissel, ferruginous hawk, Franklin’s gull, grasshopper sparrow, greater prairie-chicken, horned lark, lark bunting, LeConte’s sparrow, lesser scaup, marbled godwit, Nelson’s sparrow, northern goshawk, northern harrier, northern pintail, peregrine falcon (migration), piping plover (migration), red knot (migration), sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Swainson’s hawk, trumpeter swan, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, willet, Wilson’s phalarope, and whooping crane (migration).

Mammals: Arctic shrew, big and little brown bats, Franklin’s ground squirrel, northern river otter, plains pocket mouse, pygmy shrew, Richardson’s ground squirrel, silver-haired bat, and swift fox.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Canadian toad, plains hognose snake, smooth green snake, and snapping turtle.

Fish and Mussels: Banded killifish, black sandshell, blacknose shiner, Carmine shiner, creek heelsplitter, creeper, deertoe, fragile papershell, mapleleaf, northern pearl dace, northern redbelly dace, pearl dace, pink heelsplitter, threeridge, Topeka shiner, trout-perch, yellow sandshell, and Wabash pigtoe.

Grassland Management for Wildlife in MLRA 55B

Management activities within the community phase pathways impact wildlife but are essential for maintenance of healthy grassland ecosystems. Community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways are keys to long-term management within each State and between States. 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 management effects of grassland and woodland resources in comparison to typically short-term negative effects to the habitats of individual species.

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 supporting a dominance of herbaceous vegetation (Loamy/Sandy) can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support medium to tall shrubs (Loamy Overflow or Loamy-Wooded State 5.0). Conversely, ecological sites that are dominated by short- to mid-statured grasses (Claypan) can be adjacent to sites with bare soil only supporting a minor amount of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).

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

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

Grassland-nesting birds use various grass heights for breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat. While most species use varying heights, many have a preferred vegetative stature height or sensitivity to woody vegetation. Understanding the sensitivity of grassland species to woody vegetation and preferred vegetative structure enables managers to determine which grassland-nesting bird species avoid grassland habitats adjacent to woody dominated plant community phases, as found in Loamy Overflow Wooded Community Phase 4. The following chart provides sensitivity to woody vegetation and preferred vegetative stature heights.

Grassland-nesting
Bird Species Preferred Vegetative Stature Avoids woody vegetation*
Short < 6 inches Medium 6 - 12 inches Tall >12 inches
Baird's sparrow x x x
Bobolink x x x
Brewer's sparrow x x
Burrowing owl x x
Chestnut-collared longspur x x x
Common yellowthroat x
Dickcissel x x
Ferruginous hawk x x
Grasshopper sparrow x x x
Horned lark x x
Killdeer x x
Lark bunting x x
Lark sparrow x
Le Conte's sparrow x x
Long-bill curlew x x
Marbled godwit x x x
McCown's longspur x x x
Mountain plover x x
Nelson's sparrow x x
Nesting waterfowl x x
Northern harrier x x x
Savannah sparrow x x x
Short-eared owl x x x
Sprague's pipit x x x
Upland sandpiper x x x
Western meadowlark x x
Willet x x x
*Many of the listed species avoid nesting in grassland areas with large amounts of woody vegetation within a grassland or avoid nesting near woody vegetation in adjacent habitats. Although these species avoid areas with woody vegetation, most can tolerate a small amount of woody vegetation within areas dominated by grassland habitat, including short-statured shrubs (e.g., sagebrush, western snowberry) in this MLRA.

Loamy Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Loamy sites, typically, have no restrictions in the soil profile; but a few sites have shale or gravel at a depth greater than 20 inches. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species. Loamy habitat features support nesting and foraging grassland birds but may be too dense and tall for sharp-tailed grouse leks. Associated ecological sites include Clayey, Limy Subirrigated, Subirrigated, Loamy Overflow, Thin Loamy, Shallow Loamy, and Wet Meadow.

Loamy ecological sites may be found in five plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, 4.0 Wooded State, and 5.0 Wooded Native/Invaded State). Multiple plant community phases exist within all states. These states occur primarily in response to grazing, drought, and non-use. Secondary influences include fire and anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 community phase pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along either the T2A or T2B transitional pathway to Invaded State 3.0. Native, grassland associated wildlife generally benefit from a heterogeneous grassland (found in States 1.0 and 2.0) that includes diverse grass and forb species with varying structure and density. Conversion to a woody state (along transitional pathway T1A or T2C) generally benefits wildlife species that can tolerate (or require) woody habitat within plant communities found in States 4.0 and 5.0.

As plant communities degrade within State 2.0, warm-season grasses (particularly short-statured and cool-season exotic grasses) increase while native forbs are reduced. This transition results in reduced structure, increased plant community homogeneity, and reduced insect populations - resulting in a reduction of breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat for grassland birds. When adjacent/intermingled, ecological sites undergo the same transition, the result can be an expansive, homogenous landscape.

Success along restoration pathway R3A and R3B from State 3.0 to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of a remnant native grass population or successful native range seeding. Plant community phases (within State 3.0) show dramatic increased homogeneity of exotic cool-season grasses and further reduction in native forbs. Reduced forb diversity limits insect populations, negatively affecting grassland nesting bird foraging opportunities. However, western snowberry can become a dominant shrub at this site impacting bird species sensitive to woody vegetation invasion but at the same time providing habitat for beneficial pollinating insects. Increased exotic-grass litter can limit access to bare ground by nesting insects. A homogenous grassland landscape does not provide quality escape or winter cover. As a result, many species are not able to meet life requisites within State 3.0.

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

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Green Needlegrass-Western Wheatgrass: This plant community offers excellent wildlife habitat and every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing (with adequate recovery period) as well as prescribed fire. Predominance of grass species in this community favors grazers and mixed-feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

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

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to limited host plants, such as little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to Nuttall's violet and prairie violets being uncommon. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs on this site; however, few milkweed species are found on this site to support breeding and larvae development. The ecological site does not provide habitat for the northern sandy tiger beetle which prefers dry, sandy dunes or sandy areas away from water. This plant community provides potential habitat for the Ottoe Skipper preferring mid to tall-statured grasses. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs for pollen and nectar and bare ground for nesting amongst bunchgrasses. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, as well as prescribed fire, to maintain the 1.1 phase will have long term positive effects on ground dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short- to mid-grass nesting birds. Plant structure may be too dense or tall for species using short-grass habitats; however, it may be used during periods of drought or management such as rotational grazing or fire (resulting in defoliation) along community phase pathway 1.1A. The low scattered shrubs present in the plant community phase should not impact woody vegetation sensitive bird species.

Grassland birds preferring mid-grass structure will use this site. In years with reduced precipitation or drought, nesting recruitment may be compromised. This plant community provides suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse leks and nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Limited structure and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunity for grassland raptors. Many passerine species utilize MLRA 55B as a major migratory travel corridor. Grassland species sensitive to woody associations during nesting and brooding may utilize the woodier fragmented sites.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, and white-tailed deer. Moderate stature provides suitable food and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores such as ground squirrels.

Amphibians/Reptiles: This ecological site and associated plant communities provide habitat for smooth green snakes. This ecological site can provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Great Plains toad if freshwater habitat such as wetlands, streams, or lakes are near the site.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be located near wetlands, streams, rivers, or water bodies. Associated ecological sites, such as Loamy Overflow and Wet Meadow, can receive run-on hydrology from Loamy sites out-letting into receiving waters. Management on these interconnected sites can have direct effects on aquatic species.

Community Phase 1.2: Big Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Western Wheatgrass: This plant community phase occurs from events that favor a decrease of cool-season grasses and in increase in warm-season grasses, including early spring fires followed by severe grazing. Continuous season-long grazing could also initiate this pathway.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, showy deep-rooted perennial forbs provide increased pollinator habitat. An increase in warm-season, sod-forming grasses may negatively impact ground nesting pollinator species.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the increase of tall warm season grasses, favors grassland-nesting birds species preferring mid- to tall-statured vegetation. Tall, warm-season grasses provide additional winter habitat for species such as sharptailed grouse.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Depending on the density of tall warm season grasses, large ungulates, such as deer, may have increased escape and thermal cover.

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 Snowberry/Chokecherry/Grasses: Combined with above normal precipitation and a reduction in fire frequency, native shrubs become prominent and begin to dominate. Plum and chokecherry will appear in patches while western snowberry may have spread across the entire site.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the increased shrub component will provide early- (chokecherry) and mid- season (western snowberry) nectar and pollen sources for bumblebees, regal fritillary, monarch butterfly, and other pollinating species.

Birds: Western snowberry-dominated sites provide nesting, brood, and winter cover for sharp-tailed grouse and ring-necked pheasant. Western snowberry, chokecherry, and plum provides winter cover and food (berries) for grassland-nesting bird species that use (or can tolerate a small amount of) woody vegetation within areas dominated by grassland habitat. Woody vegetation may not reach enough density to provide habitat for woodland edge species. Brown-headed cowbird use will increase with an increase in the woody cover component of this ecological site.

Mammals: Increase in woody habitat provides winter and escape cover, birthing sites, browse, etc. for white-tailed deer. The increase in woody cover will not benefit bat species found in MLRA 55B since necessary maternity trees are limited to non-existent.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the increase in woody vegetation will decrease habitat quality for the smooth green snake.

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Green needlegrass-Western Wheatgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1B due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses. Lack of fire and chronic season-long or late fall grazing can facilitate this transition. The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome grass, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.1, except it has a minor amount of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs. This phase functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to the Invaded State 3.0. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0 from State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Increase in sod-forming exotic cool season grasses reduces bare ground, reducing the potential for ground nesting bees. Although forb diversity is maintained, increased competition from exotic cool-season grass may reduce density of native forbs reducing nectar and pollen availability.

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.

Community Phase 2.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Grama/Sedge: Chronic, heavy season-long grazing or severe late-season grazing along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A leads to shorter-statured grasses. Dominated by shorter-stature grasses and a loss of nitrogen-fixing or leguminous native forbs, the diversity of this plant community is reduced. Both tap-rooted and fibrous-rooted perennial forbs increase in this phase but remain a minor component. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods along Community Phase Pathway 2.2A is an efficient, effective method to regain the cool-season grass and forb diversity components in Community Phase 2.1.

Invertebrates: The reduction of native forbs and increase in sod-forming, cool- and warm-season grasses limit foraging and nesting sites for all pollinators. Continuous, heavy season-long grazing or heavy seasonal grazing may reduce ground-nesting site availability. Homogeneity of forb species may limit season-long nectar availability.

Birds: Chronic, heavy season-long grazing or severe late-season grazing will reduce nesting sites, forage (invertebrates), and cover. A reduced forb component may limit foraging opportunities for birds. The stature is generally short, serving both mid- short-grass nesting birds. Shortgrass-nesting birds favor this phase. Species that prefer mid-grass stature generally will be successful with normal to above normal precipitation and a change in management along the 2.2A Community Pathway. In years with reduced precipitation or heavy grazing during the nesting season, use by mid-grass nesting species may be compromised. This plant community provides areas suitable for sharp-tailed grouse lek site development. Limited stature and vegetative cover limits prey populations and hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

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

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

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

Community Phase 2.3 Kentucky Bluegrass-Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass: Management activities (via Community Pathway 2.1B) through heavy, late season or chronic season-long grazing or (via Community Pathway 2.2B) total rest from grazing, combined with no fire events, allows for Kentucky bluegrass to increase. Runoff and available nitrogen increase. Invasive black medic and yellow sweet clover provide Kentucky bluegrass the needed nitrogen to flourish.

Invertebrates: The increase in sod-forming Kentucky bluegrass further limits nesting sites for pollinators. However, the increase in sweet clover and black medic provide pollen and nectar for a variety of pollinators.

Birds: Chronic, heavy season-long grazing or severe late-season grazing will reduce nesting sites, forage (invertebrates), and cover. The stature is generally short, serving grassland-nesting birds that prefer short-stature vegetation. However, total rest will provide vegetation that is short- to mid-stature. Dependent upon the degree of Kentucky bluegrass invasion, the lack of plant diversity and stature, along with increased litter and the tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass to lay down, limits use by many grassland-nesting birds. This plant community provides areas suitable for sharp-tailed grouse lek site development. Limited stature and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Heavy, late season or chronic season-long grazing limits suitable food and thermal, protective, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals. Ground squirrels (thirteen-lined and Richardson’s) prefer these sites. The increased litter from total rest from grazing combined with no fire events provides protective and escape cover for small mammals. Through Community Pathway 2.1B, black medic and sweet clover provides high nutritional levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, and white-tailed deer.

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

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

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass: Community Phase Pathway T2A is characterized by non-use and elimination of fire when exotic cool-season grasses are present (as in Community Phase 2.0). This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance (>30%) of exotic cool-season grasses, such as smooth bromegrass; native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community. Restoration Pathway R3A, through prescribed burning and high levels of grazing management, requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool-season and forbs to be successful. The remnant native community needs frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density. Without intensive management, the remnant native plants will not increase adequately to transition back to State 2.0. Intensified management along the R3A Pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term native habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Exotic grasses limit use by beneficial insects provided in States 1.0 and 2.0. Increased litter and lack of grazing leads to limited contact between plant material and mineral soil resulting in a cooler microclimate, which is unfavorable to most insects. Lack of bare soil limits ground-nesting sites for native bees and other ground-nesting insects. The lack of nectar-producing plants limits forage opportunities for bumblebees, regal fritillary, monarch butterfly, and other pollinating species. This Community Phase does not provide life requisites for any species of concern within MLRA 55B.

Birds: The homogeneous community phase, dominated by exotic plant species, provides limited habitat and life requisites for most obligate grassland-nesting birds. Lack of plant diversity and stature, along with increased litter and the tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass to lay down, limits use by many grassland-nesting birds. Sharp-tailed grouse may use this plant community for lek sites and nesting cover; however, winter cover must be provided by adjacent ecological sites or plant communities.

Mammals: Litter accumulation and exotic grass cover favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents.

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 3.2: Kentucky Bluegrass Sod/Forbs: Transitional Phase Pathway T2B or Community Phase Pathway 3.1A are characterized by heavy continuous grazing when exotic cool-season grasses are present (as in Community Phase 2.0). This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance (>30%) of exotic cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass; native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community.

Restoration Pathway R3A, through prescribed burning and high levels of grazing management, requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool-season and forbs to be successful. The remnant native community needs frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density. Without intensive management, the remnant native plants will not increase adequately to transition back to State 2.0. Intensified management along the R3A Pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term native habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Due to lack of forb species diversity, nectar and pollen sources become limited. Common forbs would include goldenrod, western yarrow, aster, western ragweed and a variety of introduced forbs which do not provide adequate season-long pollen sources. Dense Kentucky bluegrass sod and continuous heavy season-long reduces ground-nesting bee habitat.

Birds: Dominated by Kentucky bluegrass sod with heavy continuous season-long grazing, this plant community provides limited cover of any type for grassland-nesting birds. Species preferring short-grass will use this community, but use may be limited due heavy continuous season-long grazing.

Mammals: This plant community provides limited thermal, protective, and escape cover for small or large mammals. Heavy continuous season-long grazing favors ground dwelling mammals such as Richardson’s ground squirrels.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Excessive heavy season-long grazing limits use of this site by smooth green snakes. Foraging opportunities for northern leopard frog and Great Plains toad are limited even if freshwater habitat such as wetlands, streams, or lakes are adjacent to the site due to lack of insect populations and excessive heavy season-long grazing.

Fish and Mussels: Dense sod resulting from excessive heavy season-long grazing reduces infiltration and increases runoff from this ecological site. During normal to above normal precipitation events, increased runoff may negatively impact flow in adjacent streams and creeks and adjacent waterbodies.

Community Phase 3.3: Annual/Pioneer Perennial: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity for a prolonged time period. Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds and their young. Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing insect presence. Tall stature provided by some weeds such as marsh elder and ragweed offer 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 prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control). Successful restoration of native species along Transition Pathway R3B can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0.

4.0 Wooded State/5.0 Wooded Native/Invaded State

Loamy ecological sites did not historically support a woody plant community and, today, these usually exist as a linear woody feature on a linear/concave landscape commonly referred to as woody draws. The wooded state occurs when the Loamy ecological site is located near a seed source for woody vegetation such as a wooded Loamy Overflow ecological site. In woody draws, the Loamy – Wooded State occurs on the side slopes above Loamy Overflow – Wooded State (foot slopes and bottom of the draws). The removal of all disturbance through Transition Pathways T1A and T2C are the major contributors to this community phase, crossing the threshold from an herbaceous plant community to a community dominated by hardwoods and shrubs. The composition of this woody plant community will be dependent upon shading (tree canopy density), management (grazing), and the amount of invasive grass and shrub species.

Wooded State 4.0 and Wooded Invaded State 5.0: Green Ash-Bur Oak/Shrubs (Community Phase 4.1), Bur Oak-Green Ash/Ironwood/Sprengel Sedge (Community Phase 4.2), Oak/Sedge (Community Phase 5.1), and Buckthorn/Oak (Community Phase 5.3): Wooded draws are an important vegetative type used by many large herbivorous mammals. Multi-level canopy, high edge-to-area ratio, and prevalence of preferred forage provides high quality wildlife habitat. Within MLRA 55B, woody draws (such as those in Wooded State 4.0 and Wooded/Invaded State 5.0) provide important travel corridors, security cover, and foraging, loafing, and parturition (birthing) areas.

Invertebrates: Early season flowering shrubs provide pollen and nectar. However, pollinating insects will need adjacent herbaceous- and forb-dominated ecological sites for mid- to late-season pollen sources. Lower trophic-level consumers such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders will use woody plant material, leaves, and limited amount of grasses in contact with mineral soil. The woody component of this site is not conducive to use by any insect species of conservation priority within MLRA 55B. Woody plant material is available for wood-nesting bees. These wind-protected, moist plant communities provide favorable habitat for flying insects (flies, mosquitoes, moths, etc.). Favorable climatic conditions can lead to large hatches of insects. This Community Phase does not provide life requisites for any species of concern within MLRA 55B.

Birds: This site no longer provides habitat for grassland-nesting bird species due to the dominance of woody vegetation. Bird species that use and benefit from woodland edge (such as wild turkey, black-billed cuckoo, black-capped chickadee, gray catbird, and Swainson’s hawk) can be found in this community phase. These community phases provide nesting habitat for many migratory passerines and excellent winter cover for sharp-tailed grouse, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, wild turkey, and non-migrating passerine birds such as black-capped chickadee and white-breasted nuthatch. Berry producing shrubs provide late summer, fall, and winter forage for many bird species. Wildlife use increases as the depth of snow increases during the winter, thereby becoming critical to the sustainment of winter resident bird populations. The presence of woody plant species may increase mammalian and avian predation and increase brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds on adjacent grassland ecological sites.

Mammals: Little and big brown bat use these states for roost sites and forage. Small herbivores that can use (or tolerate) woodland edge such as American porcupine and cotton-tail rabbit will benefit from this plant community phase. Shrubs and trees provide security and thermal cover used by white-tailed deer for foraging, loafing, and rearing young-of-the-year. Multi-layer shrub/tree communities provide concealment protection from predators during parturition. Plant species provide highly nutritious forage during peak lactation, one of the most energy-demanding time periods of the year for female ungulates. Winter white-tailed deer diets are dominated by chokecherry, western snowberry, serviceberry, rose, and various species of gooseberry.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This Wooded State does not provide habitat for species of conservation priority within MLRA 55B.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the wooded state can occur along drainageways directly adjacent to Riparian Complex Ecological Sites, rivers, and streams. The bare soil found under the tree and shrub canopy may reduce infiltration and nutrient cycling. Run-off, sediment yield, and nutrient load increase from the site, negatively impacting receiving water bodies.

Wooded State 5.0: Mature Bur Oak/Kentucky Bluegrass (Community Phase 5.2), Bur Oak/Eastern Redcedar (Community Phase 5.4), and Buckthorn/Kentucky Bluegrass (Community Phase 5.5): Invasion of Kentucky bluegrass, along with heavy season-long livestock grazing, will convert this plant community to a “park-like” appearance in the Mature Bur Oak/Kentucky Bluegrass Community Phase. The invasion of buckthorn and Kentucky bluegrass (out-competing bur oak) creates a Buckthorn/Kentucky Bluegrass Community Phase. The invasion of eastern redcedar, with or without livestock grazing, leads to the Bur Oak/Eastern Redcedar Community Phase.

Community Phase 5.2 Mature Bur Oak/Kentucky Bluegrass: This “park-like” plant community is caused by heavy, season-long grazing - reducing or eliminating shrub or tree regeneration.

Invertebrates: Wind pollinated oak and the lack of shrub or forb understory limits pollinator use. Lower trophic-level consumers such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders will use woody plant material, leaves, and limited amount of grasses in contact with mineral soil. This Community Phase does not provide life requisites for any species of concern within MLRA 55B.

Birds: Grassland-nesting bird species intolerant of woody vegetation are eliminated from this site, while species associated with woodlands and woodland edges will increase. However, the lack of a woody/shrub understory will may limit bird use to those that favor the tree canopy. The presence of woody plant species may increase avian predator and brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds on adjacent grasslands. This site provides limited winter cover for resident bird species.

Mammals: Bat species found within MLRA 55B may use this site for roosting and maternity trees. Nearby community phases that support insects provide foraging opportunities. This phase provides limited thermal, escape, and loafing habitat for white-tailed deer.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This Wooded State does not provide habitat for species of conservation priority within MLRA 55B.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the wooded state can occur along drainageways directly adjacent to Riparian Complex Ecological Sites, streams, and rivers. Sod forming Kentucky bluegrass reduces infiltration and nutrient cycling. Run-off, sediment yield, and nutrient load increase from the site, negatively impacting receiving water bodies.

Community Phase 5.4 Bur Oak/Eastern Redcedar: The invasion of eastern redcedar is the major contributor to this community phase. Loamy ecological sites did not historically support eastern redcedar. Dense conifers lead to changes in soil chemistry and a change in the associated herbaceous plant community. A detritus layer of juniper needles-leaves, shade, shallow root system, and interception of precipitation with a possible soil chemistry change (decrease in pH) reduces or eliminates the herbaceous or forb understory.

Invertebrates: Conifers and bur oak are wind-pollinated and thus have limited benefits for pollinating insects. The loss of a forb component limits insect populations.

Birds: Grassland-nesting bird species intolerant of woody vegetation are eliminated from this site, while species associated with woodlands and woodland edges will increase. The presence of woody plant species may increase predation by mammals and avian predators and brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds. This site provides year-round habitat for wild turkey and winter and escape habitat for ringed-necked pheasant and sharptailed grouse.

Mammals: Bat species found within MLRA 55B may use this site for roosting and maternity trees. Nearby community phases that support insects provide foraging opportunities. This phase provides significant thermal, escape, and loafing habitat for white-tailed deer.

Amphibians/Reptiles: This Wooded State does not provide habitat for species of conservation priority within MLRA 55B.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the wooded state can occur along drainageways directly adjacent to Riparian Complex Ecological Sites, rivers, and streams. The bare soil found under the tree and shrub canopy reduces infiltration and nutrient cycling. Run-off, sediment yield, and nutrient load increase from the site, negatively impacting receiving water bodies.

Community Phase 5.5 Buckthorn/Kentucky bluegrass: Invasive buckthorn begins to dominate this site eliminating the bur oak and ash overstory. Along with invasive Kentucky bluegrass, native grass and forb species are virtually non-existent.

Invertebrates: Buckthorn may provide limited pollen in late spring. However, the loss of a forb component limits insect populations. This Community Phase does not provide life requisites for any species of concern within MLRA 55B.

Birds: Grassland-nesting bird species intolerant of woody vegetation are eliminated from this site, while species associated with shrubs woodlands and woodland edges will increase; however, buckthorn is not a preferred nesting site for many passerines. Buckthorn berries are consumed and spread by many bird species.

Mammals: This plant community will not provide bat habitat. It provides limited thermal, escape, and loafing habitat for white-tailed deer and other mammals.

Amphibians/Reptiles: This Community Phase does not provide life requisites for any species of concern within MLRA 55B.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 5.2.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations

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

Grazing levels are noted within the plant community narratives and pathways in reference to prescribed 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.

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B, but includes some soils in group C. Infiltration varies from moderately slow to moderate; runoff potential varies from low to high for this site depending on soil hydrologic group, slope 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).

Recreational uses

National wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, state wildlife management areas, and North Dakota Department of Trust Lands provide herbaceous and woody cover for wildlife. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Bureau of Reclamation manage 3 man-made reservoirs - Jamestown Reservoir (2,036 acres), Pipestem Reservoir (1,027 acres), and Lake Ashtabula (5,174 acres) for flood control providing fish habitat and adjacent uplands for wildlife cover. Lonetree WMA is the largest state managed wildlife area covering 32,800 acres. The largest refuges managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife service are: Arrowood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex consists of 75,000 acres, Tewaukon National NWR covers 8,363 acres and, in South Dakota, the Sand Lake NWR consists of 21,498 acres.

Hunting and bird watching: Over 137,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuges and waterfowl production areas owned and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are available for public hunting, hiking, and bird watching. Thousands of acres of state wildlife management areas and North Dakota Department of Trust Lands are found in the MLRA. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department manages the Lonetree Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) located in Wells and Sheridan Counties. Numerous other WMAs in North Dakota and Game Production Areas in South Dakota are found within this MLRA.

Camping: Fort Ramson State Park, Pipestem Reservoir, Jamestown Reservoir, Spiritwood Lake, Clausen Springs, Little Yellowstone and other public and private campgrounds are found within the MLRA. Limited, primitive camping is available on wildlife management areas.

Recreation: The North Country Trail enters the MLRA in Ransom County, ND turns north along the eastern edge of the MLRA and then dissects the MLRA through the Lonetree WMA. The trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The MLRA has one, 63-mile Scenic Drive starting north of Valley City and heading south to Kathryn, Fort Ransom and Lisbon through the Sheyenne River Valley.

Wood products

To be developed.

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 areas that have become wooded. During the MLRA update, a few map units with a wooded phase of Barnes or Heimdal soils were identified. While these have been removed as a distinct map unit phase, the current State and Transition Model does not adequately represent the wooded conditions of some areas of this site.
• Further investigation may be needed areas of this site on outwash plains. The available water capacity in these areas is lower than on other areas where this site occurs. This may impact the plant community during extended drier than normal periods.
• Further investigation is needed on occasionally flooded La Prairie soils with slopes exceeding 6 percent. No field investigation of the plant community has been completed to determine if Loamy or Loamy Overflow should be the representative ES; tentatively, these components have been assigned to Loamy. MLRA map units needing investigation are:
 Buse-Barnes-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes (map unit 2q4h4)
 Buse-Barnes-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q4h9)
 Esmond-Heimdal-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes (map unit 2q4tp)
 Esmond-Heimdal-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q4tq)
• 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.

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. Those involved in developing this site description include: Stan Boltz, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Michael D. Brand, State Land Dept., Director Surface Management; David Dewald, NRCS State Biologist; Paul Drayton, NRCS District Conservationist; Jody Forman, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Dennis Froemke, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Jeff Printz, NRCS State Range Management Specialist; Kevin Sedivec, Extension Rangeland Management Specialist; Shawn Dekeyser, North Dakota State University; Rob Self, The Nature Conservancy and Lee Voigt, NRCS Range Management Specialist, Bruce Wight, NRCS Forester, and Craig Stange, NRCS State Forester.
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State Counties
SCS-RANGE-417 15 1969 – 1972 ND Foster, Sargent, Stutsman

Other references

High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://hpccsun.unl.edu)

USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)

USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997

USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)

USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
.
USDA, NRCS, Various Published Soil Surveys.

The Nature of Eastern North Dakota: Pre-1880 Historical Ecology. 2006. Severson, Kieth E. and Carolyn Hull Sieg. North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies.

Royer, R. A., 2003. Butterflies of North Dakota: An Atlas and Guide: Minot State University, Minot, ND.

Knudson, W. and R. L. Post. 1963. Butterflies of Bottineau County. 29 pp.

Minnesota Department of natural Resources, Managing Your Woodland For Ruffed

North Dakota Division of Tourism, Accessed on July 30, 2019. Available at https://www.ndtourism.com/sports-recreation

North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, Accessed on July 20, 2019. https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/business/

Johnson, Sandra. 2015. Reptiles and Amphibians of North Dakota. North Dakota Game and Fish Department. 64 pages.

Contributors

Stan Boltz
Jeff Printz
Megan Baxter

Approval

Joel Brown, 6/01/2021