Physiographic features

This site typically occurs in deep depressions on lake plains, till-floored lake plains, delta plains, and isolated areas of till plain; It also occurs in depressions and oxbows on flood plains. Parent materials are alluvium (stream or local), glaciolacustrine sediments or deltaic deposits. Slope is less than 2 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 56A is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and relatively hot summers, low to moderate humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains and air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.

Annual precipitation typically ranges from 18 to 23 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 40°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 1°F (Pembina, North Dakota (ND) to about 11°F (Wheaton, Minnesota (MN). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 68°F (Pembina, ND) to about 73°F (Wheaton, MN). The range of average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 65°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this area's climate. Winds are estimated to average about 13 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 15 miles per hour during the spring to about 11 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 cool season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Greening up of cool season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

• (1) PEMBINA [USW00014924], Pembina, ND

• (2) VICTOR 4 NNE [USC00398652], Rosholt, SD

• (3) PARK RIVER [USC00326857], Park River, ND

• (4) GRAFTON [USC00323594], Grafton, ND

• (5) WHEATON [USC00218907], Wheaton, MN

• (6) AGASSIZ REFUGE [USC00210050], Grygla, MN

Influencing water features

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

Water on the site is typically received from upland runoff, but on flood plains it is from stream overflow. Soils occurring on flood plains have frequent, long or very long flooding. Surface infiltration ranges from very slow to very rapid. Saturated hydraulic conductivity ranges from low to very high. These typically are flow-through wetlands but can also be recharge wetlands. See Site Development and Testing plan for discussion of discharge wetlands.

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

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

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

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

Wetland description

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

Soil features

Soils associated with Shallow Marsh ES include mineral and organic soils. They are in the Mollisol, Vertisol, Entisol, and Histosol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Cumulic Endoaquolls, Cumulic Vertic Endoaquolls, Cumulic Vertic Epiaquolls, Typic Argiaquolls, Typic Calciaquolls, Typic Endoaquolls, Typic Epiaquolls, and Vertic Argiaquolls. The Vertisols are classified further as Typic Endoaquerts and Typic Epiaquerts. The Entisols are classified further as Mollic Endoaquents, Mollic Fluvaquents, and Mollic Psammaquents. The Histosols are classified further as Typic Haplohemists. Soils on this site were developed under wetland vegetation associated with very long periods of inundation. They formed in glaciolacustrine sediments, deltaic deposits, local alluvium from till and glaciolacustrine sediments, and flood plain alluvium. A few inches of organic materials are common on the surface of mineral soils that have never been cultivated.

The common feature of soils in this site is frequent seasonal inundation (typically extends into mid- summer or longer). Some are in deep depressions and potholes that are ponded through much of the growing season, and some are on flood plains with frequent, long or very long flooding. The soils are very deep and very 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. The dark-colored surface soil typically is more than 7 inches thick and generally more than 20 inches thick; however, soils with thin topsoil layers (<7 inches thick) also occur.

Soil salinity is typically none or very slight (E.C. <4 dS/m), but soils with slight salinity (E.C. 4 – 8 dS/m) are included. Sodicity is typically none or low. In mineral soils, soil reaction typically is slightly acid to moderately alkaline (pH 6.1 to 8.4). The calcium carbonate content typically ranges from 0 to 35 percent; some soils have a subsoil layer with CaCO3 accumulations as high as 45 percent.

In soils with a histic epipedon or that are organic throughout, soil reaction ranges from very strongly acid to slightly alkaline (pH 4.5 to 7.8) in the organic materials. The lowest pH values (bogs) occur in the eastern part of the MLRA while the highest pH values (fens) occur primarily in the western part of the MLRA.

Sub-surface soil layers are non-restrictive to root penetration, but in some soils water movement downward is slowed. These soils are not susceptible to water erosion. Inundated water conditions strongly influence the soil/water/plant relationship.

Major mineral soil series correlated to the Shallow Marsh site are Dovray, Clearwater, Espelie, Grano, Ludden, Parnell, Rauville, Roliss, Urness, and Venlo. Very poorly drained phases of the Arveson, Augsburg, Borup, Colvin, Cormant, Lowe, Percy, Rockwell, and Rosewood are also included in the site. The major organic soil included in this site is Rifle (see Site Development and Testing Plan). Also, currently included in the site is the Southam soil which has nearly continuous ponding (3 to >5 feet deep) – see Site Development and Testing Plan.

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 56A landscape is characterized by a nearly level glacial lake plain bordered on the east and west by outwash plains, till plains, gravelly beaches, and dunes. MLRA 56A 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 tall-grass prairie vegetation with bur oak, green ash, and willow growing in drainageways. This area is formed in silty and clayey lacustrine sediments from the former Glacial Lake Agassiz. 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 to the Red River of the North. MLRA 56A is located within the boundaries of the Prairie Pothole Region and is an ecotone between the humid east and the sub-humid west regions. The primary land use is annual cropland (~80%). The Red River Valley is known for its exceptional fertility with major crops including corn, soybeans, small grains, and sugar beets.

By the mid-19th century, the majority of the Red River Valley had been converted from 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. The major soils are poorly drained with extensive areas of saline soils. Tile drainage systems have been or are being extensively installed throughout MLRA 56A for sub-surface field drainage to enhance annual crop production.

The east and west side of the Red River Valley formed in a complex pattern of sandy beach material, stratified inter-beach material, lacustrine silts, and lake washed glacial till. The soils vary from excessively drained on ridges to very poorly drained organic basins. Surface ditches serve to drain some of the area, although much of the area lacks adequate drainage for maximum crop production. Calcareous fens and saline seeps can occur at the base of beach ridges and result in rare plant communities. Native vegetation was mixed- and tall-grass prairie with scattered woodland and brush.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 56A:

The northern tall- and 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). Frequent and expansive flooding along the Red River and its tributaries provided abundant opportunities for Native Americans to harvest wild rice. American bison roamed MLRA 56A wintering along the Red River and migrating west into MLRA 55A and 55B for parts of the season. 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 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 and American black 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 from the region is the Rocky Mountain locust.

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 56A:

MLRA 56A has the most conversion to cropland of any MLRA within Region F-Northern Great Plains. European influence has impacted remaining grassland and shrubland by domestic livestock grazing, elimination of fire, removal of surface and subsurface hydrology via artificial drainage, and other anthropogenic factors influencing plant community composition and abundance.

Extensive drainage has taken place. Streams have been straightened (removing sinuosity) and riparian zones have been converted to annual crop production. These anthropogenic impacts have reduced flood water detention and retention on the landscape, increasing storm water runoff, sediment, and nutrient loading to the Red River and its tributaries. The installation of instream structures has reduced aquatic species movement within the MLRA.

Annual cropping is the main factor 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, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge which 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.

Included in this MLRA are approximately 70,000 acres of the United States Forest Service, Sheyenne National Grassland (southern portion of MLRA) with an additional 65,000 acres of intermingled privately owned land of sandy soils providing a large tract of intact tall grass prairie within the MLRA. United Fish and Wildlife Service refuges and waterfowl production areas, along with and state wildlife management areas cover approximately 67,000 acres within the MLRA. Two of three largest cities in North Dakota are located within the MLRA.

USDA conservation programs have seeded thousands of cropland acres in riparian zones to native herbaceous vegetation. Natural succession is replacing the planted native herbaceous vegetation to native woody vegetation re-establishing native wooded riparian areas on previously cropland. Most of the plantings have been along the Red River and its tributaries in the northern portions of the MLRA within the United States. These areas are privately owned and protected from annual agricultural production with perpetual conservation easements.

Some characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

Birds: Mallard, blue-winged teal, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, ring-necked pheasant, western meadowlark, killdeer, eastern and western kingbird, American crow, common yellowthroat, downy and hairy woodpecker, clay-colored sparrow, vesper sparrow, Savannah sparrow, and brown-headed cowbird.

Mammals: Northern short-tailed shrew, white-tailed jackrabbit, snowshoe hare, 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, raccoon, American badger, striped skunk, white-tailed deer, North American beaver, and moose.

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

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 most species are usually larger than one ecological site or are dependent upon 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. Extensive use of insecticides for specialty crops (such as potatoes, sugar beets, and other crops) has greatly reduced insects within this MLRA.

Species of Concern within MLRA 56A:

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 Minnesota State Wildlife Action Plan, Conservation Focus Areas, Target Species (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 56A at the time this section was developed:

Invertebrates: Arogos skipper, Assiniboia skipper, Dakota skipper, dusted skipper, Leonard’s skipper, monarch butterfly, Poweshiek skippering, red-tailed leafhopper, regal fritillary, and Uhler’s Arctic.

Birds: American kestrel, American bittern, bobolink, American white pelican, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, chestnut-collared longspur, Dickcissel, grasshopper sparrow, greater prairie-chicken, Henslow’s sparrow, LeConte’s sparrow, loggerhead shrike, marbled godwit, Nelson’s sparrow, northern harrier, northern pintail, red-headed woodpecker, sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Swainson’s hawk, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, willet, Wilson’s phalarope, and yellow rail.

Mammals: Arctic shrew, big brown bat, eastern spotted skunk, gray fox, little brown bat, northern grasshopper mouse, plains pocket mouse, prairie vole, pygmy shrew, Richardson’s ground squirrel, and river otter.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Canadian toad, common snapping turtle, northern prairie skink, and plains hognose snake.

Fish: Blacknose shiner, blue sucker, burbot, chestnut lamprey, finescale dace, hornyhead chub, largescale stoneroller, logperch, northern pearl dace, northern redbelly dace, pearl dace, shortnose gar, sickle-fin chub, sliver chub, silver lamprey, trout-perch, and yellow bullhead.

Mussels: Black sandshell, creek heelsplitter, creeper, mapleleaf, pink heelsplitter, pink papershell, threeridge, and Wabash pigtoe.

Grassland Management for Wildlife in MLRA 56A:

Management activities within the community phase pathways have both short and long term positive and negative impacts on 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 (grazing intensity, reseeding, prescribed fire, woody vegetation removal, etc.). Timing, intensity, and frequency of these inputs can have dramatic positive or negative effects on vegetative structure impacting local wildlife species’ habitats. 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 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 (Wet Meadow, Subirrigated Sands) can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support trees (Choppy Sands and Loamy Overflow).

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 or increases in woody vegetation. Managers need to 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 (e.g., alteration of a grazing regime within a Choppy Sands ecological site to encourage understory growth may encourage exotic cool- season grasses to increase or dominate an adjacent ecological site).

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

With populations of many grassland-nesting birds in decline, it is important to maintain these ecological sites in a 1.0 Reference State or the 2.0 Native/Invaded State. 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, or foraging habitat. While most species use varying heights, many have a preferred vegetative stature height. The following chart provides preferred vegetative stature heights and sensitivity to woody vegetation encroachment.

To see the chart please follow the hyperlink. (
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/56A_Shallow_Marsh_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf )

Shallow Marsh Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

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

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

Restoration pathways from State 2.0 and 3.0 back to State 1.0 may occur. Restoration Pathway R2A’s and R3A’s main ecological driver is increased water levels above plant height causing plant mortality, drowning out exotic forbs and grasses. Restoration Pathway R3A is dependent upon a combination of a successful wetland restoration or seeding, increased water regime, chemical treatment, and/or sediment/nutrient removal. However, maintenance and/or restoration of adjacent upland ecological sites is critical for full restoration of the Shallow Marsh ecological site to Reference.

Non-anthropogenic Community Phase, Transition, and Restoration Pathways rely predominantly on water regime, either increasing or decreasing water depth with associated saturation. While tillage and drainage are the main anthropogenic impacts to Shallow Marsh ecological sites within MLRA 56A, heavy grazing during a drawdown phase can cause saline soils, especially on discharge or flow-through sites. Degree of tillage and the length of time the site is cultivated will have a significant impact on the ability of the site to follow Restoration Pathways R3A, R4A, and R4B. The longer the wetland is tilled or drained, the fewer native wetland plant propagules are available to recolonize the wetland. Increased salinity due to tillage will also negatively impact restoration.

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

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

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

1.0 Reference State

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

Invertebrates: Shallow Marsh ecological sites provide habitat for a diverse suite of aquatic invertebrates providing an important trophic link between macrophytes and vertebrates that depend upon them as food. The structure provided by vegetated wetlands increases the abundance of aquatic invertebrates compared to less vegetated sites. Maximum invertebrate production occurs when emergent and submergent vegetation are interspersed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, this Plant Community Phase no longer provides thermal, protective, escape, and winter habitat for a big game animals and other small herbivores.

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

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

Community Phase 1.3 Drawdown Phase–Fresh-Grasses/Sedges-Spikerushes: This plant community occurs during the drawdown phase associated with prolonged periods of below average precipitation. The plant community is dominated by short- to mid-statured vegetation. This phase retains high functionality and, with average or above average precipitation (via Community Phase Pathway 1.3A), will revert to Plant Community Phase 1.1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Invertebrates: Pollinator friendly forbs decrease as salinity and foxtail barley increase which limits pollen and nectar availability. Bare ground increases but few ground nesting species, if any within MLRA 56A, use saline soils for nesting sites. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

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

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

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

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State

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

Heavy grazing, prolonged periods of non-use and no fire, and a decrease in the water regime of the site are often involved with this transition. Excessive litter accumulation provides conditions favorable to exotic strains and/or hybrids of reed canarygrass and/or cattails which can quickly spread to form virtual monocultures. As a result, the transition to State 3: Invaded State can be expected. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Plant Community 1.1. Managers should consider management within the State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to avoid transitioning to State 3.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

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

Community Phase 2.2 Drawdown Phase-Brackish/Foxtail Barley/Spikerushes/Exotics: This plant community phase occurs with heavy season-long grazing combined with a drawdown phase and increased salinity. Grazing and salt tolerant foxtail barley and assorted forbs dominate the site while wheat sedge and other native grasses decline.

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

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

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

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

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

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

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

Mammals: Short spikerushes and annual forbs provide limited resources for mammals of all sizes.

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

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

3.0 Invaded State

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

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

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

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

4.0 Go-Back State

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

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

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations

Note: When interpreting plant production regarding stocking rate, several things must be taken into consideration. Annual production is highly variable and subject to wide fluctuations; palatability is generally low and seasonally quite variable; and access to the forage can be limited due to water levels. As a result, caution must be exercised so that the stocking rate is based on a realistic inventory or a reasonable estimate of usable forage. More accurate stocking rate estimates should eventually be calculated using actual stocking rate information and monitoring data.

NRCS defines prescribed grazing as “managing the harvest of vegetation with grazing and/or browsing animals with the intent to achieve specific ecological, economic, and management objectives”. As used in this site description, the term ‘prescribed grazing’ is intended to include multiple grazing management systems (e.g., rotational grazing, twice-over grazing, conservation grazing, targeted grazing, etc.) provided that, whatever management system is implemented, it meets the intent of prescribed grazing definition.

The basic grazing prescription addresses balancing forage demand (quality and quantity) with available forage, varying grazing and deferment periods from year-to-year, matching recovery/deferment periods to growing conditions when pastures are grazed more than once in a growing season, implementation of a contingency (e.g., drought) plan, and a monitoring plan. When the management goal is to facilitate change from one plant community phase or state to another, then the prescription needs to be designed to shift the competitive advantage to favor the native grass and forb species.

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

Utilization Level % Use Description

Slight (Light) 0-20 Appears practically undisturbed when viewed obliquely. Only choice areas and forage utilized.

Moderate 20-40 Almost all of accessible range shows grazing. Little or no use of poor forage. Little evidence of trailing to grazing.

Full 40-60 All fully accessible areas are grazed. The major sites have key forage species properly utilized (about half taken, half left). Points of concentration with overuse limited to 5 to 10 percent of accessible area.

Close (Heavy) 60-80 All accessible range plainly shows use and major sections closely cropped. Livestock forced to use less desirable forage, considering seasonal preference.

Severe > 80 Key forage species completely used. Low-value forages are dominant.

Hydrological functions

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

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

Hunting and Bird Watching: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages approximately 4,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuges for hiking and bird watching and approximately 24,000 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas for public hunting, hiking, and bird watching. States within MLRA 56A manage approximately 39,000 acres of wildlife management areas for multiple use including hunting, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, berry picking, and other non-motorized uses. Of the 39,000 acres, approximately 21,400 are in Minnesota with approximately 16,000 acres in North Dakota and approximately 1,700 acres in South Dakota.

In North Dakota, the United States Forest Service manages 70,000 acres on the Sheyenne National Grassland for multiple uses including camping, hunting, photography, backpacking birdwatching, biking, horseback riding, and other non-motorized recreation. The Sheyenne National Grassland is also managed for livestock grazing. The Choppy Sands and Sands ecological sites dominate the Grassland. It is the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States. The grassland provides habitat for greater prairie chickens as well as several other sensitive species, such as the Dakota skipper and regal fritillary. It also contains one of largest populations of the western prairie fringed orchid which is listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Fishing: Approximately 20 lakes are managed for public fishing MLRA 56A. Most of these lakes offer boat docks and ramps. These lakes contain various sport fish including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, and bluegill. The Red River runs from south to north through the center of the MLRA. The Red River is best known for channel catfish but also has walleye, sauger, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The Red River is 550 miles long from its source in the southern end of the MLRA near Breckenridge, Minnesota to Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Between North Dakota and Minnesota, there are 32 public access points along the Red River with 18 having boat ramps.

Camping: Four state parks or recreation areas provide of modern and primitive camping facilities. Minnesota hosts the Buffalo River State Park and Red River State Park. North Dakota hosts the Icelandic State Park and Turtle River State Park. These Parks provide hiking, biking, birding, canoeing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many local parks and private parks provide modern and primitive camping opportunities. Limited primitive camping is also available on North Dakota Game and Fish Department Wildlife Management Areas.

Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding: Hiking is permitted on most state and federally owned lands. Developed hiking and biking trails can be found the four state parks. The Grand Forks Greenway has over 22 miles of trails while municipalities along the Red River have extensive walking and hiking trails. A 30-mile segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail leads hikers through the Sheyenne National Grassland’s unique landforms and plant communities. This trail has three trailheads along its route; it is a graveled, marked trail. The entire North Country National Scenic Trail stretches from Crown Point, New York to Lake Sakakawea near Garrison, North Dakota.

Canoeing/Kayaking: The Red River has six designated canoe/kayaking trails. Public access, with limited rentals, is available at these segments. Sheyenne River Water Trail has a segment within the MLRA Sheyenne National Grasslands. Canoe/kayak rentals are available at Icelandic State Park.

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. In addition, cattails can provide a variety of other uses including edible pollen and roots, paper, and ethanol.

Other information

• Further investigation is recommended on organic soils (fens and bogs) included in this site. The hydrology and plant communities may warrant a separate ecological site and STM. The primary organic soil to investigate is Rifle. Many other organic components are currently linked to MLRA 56B ESDs (where the soils are of much greater extent).
• Further investigation is needed on the influence of water chemistry on the soil/water/plant dynamics of this site. Currently wetlands with fresh water and those with brackish water are both included in the Shallow Marsh site. During the drawdown phase, in particular, the chemistry of both water and soil will likely significantly impact the plant community. Soils with some accumulation of carbonates and/or salts are included in this site; however, these accumulations are more typical of discharge wetlands which are not considered the central concept of Shallow Marsh. Calciaquolls form where soil water movement is more upward than downward, creating the layer of carbonate accumulation near the surface. It is believed the duration of ponding on the Typic Calciaquolls included in this site is significantly longer now than when these soils were forming. Extensive cultivation of the surrounding uplands contributes to more runoff into these wetlands now than under prairie conditions. In addition, periodic cultivation of the wetland soils likely has altered soil structure significantly – slowing infiltration. A separate ecological site may be needed to adequately address the brackish water/discharge wetland areas included in this site.
• Further investigation is needed on soils with nearly continuous, deep ponding (Southam series). The hydrology and plant community on this site is likely not well-represented by the Shallow Marsh site. A Deep Marsh ecological site may need to be developed.
• Further investigation is needed on areas of this site associated with flood plains. Rauville (major and minor components) and minor components of Ludden soils occur in on flood plains and in oxbows of streams and rivers. A separate ecological site for these soils may be useful. The impact of occasional or frequent flooding on these areas needs evaluation.
• Further investigation is needed on the wide range of landforms and soil textures (and associated properties) and their relationship to hydrology/plant dynamics.
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model may be needed to identify disturbance driven dynamics. Additional states and/or phases may be required to address grazing response.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data; however, this data needs review. If geo-referenced sites meeting Tier 3 standards for either vegetative or soil data are not available, representative sites will be selected for further investigation.
• Site concepts will be refined as the above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o Nineteen components (1 major) of Dovray, very poorly drained are currently linked to Wet Meadow; these need to be relinked to Shallow Marsh.
o One major component of Colvin moderately saline, one major Grano, moderately saline, one minor component of Grano, slightly saline, and one minor component of Augsburg, moderately saline are very poorly drained and currently linked to Saline Lowland. Very poorly drained soils should be linked to Shallow Marsh regardless of soil salinity level.
o Three components (2 major) of Roliss, very poorly drained are linked to Wet Meadow; these need to be relinked to Shallow Marsh.
o Two components (1 major) of Flom, very poorly drained are currently linked to Wet Meadow; these need to be relinked to Shallow Marsh.
o Two components (1 major) of Kratka, very poorly drained are currently linked to Wet Meadow; these should be relinked to Shallow Marsh. Both components occur in the Minnesota part of MLRA 56A.
o Three components (1 major) of Lallie, very poorly drained are currently linked to Wet Meadow; these should be relinked to Shallow Marsh.

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.

Other references

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Contributors

ND NRCS: Keith Anderson, Fred Aziz, Stan Boltz, David Dewald, Jonathan Fettig, Alan Gulsvig, Mark Hayek, Chuck Lura, Jeff Printz, Steve Sieler, Lee Voigt, and Hal Weiser.

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/21/2025