

Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R058CY082ND
Choppy Sands
Last updated: 4/21/2025
Accessed: 07/10/2025
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.

Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 058C–Northern Rolling High Plains, Northeastern Part
MLRA 58C covers 2,320 square miles and encompasses approximately 1.8 million acres. MLRA 58C spans two states, with 96 percent located in North Dakota and the remaining 4 percent is in Montana. The MLRA 58C landscape is characterized by steeply sloping dissected badlands along the Little Missouri River and its tributaries. Primary land uses are of rangeland for grazing and wildlife habitat. Microclimates inherent in badlands landscapes influence both variety and abundance of vegetation in MLRA 58C. South- and west- facing exposures are dry, hot, and sparsely vegetated. More humid and cooler north- and east-facing exposures are favorable for abundant forage and woody vegetation.
MLRA 58C is known as the Little Missouri Badlands, which formed when the Little Missouri River was diverted along a shorter, steeper course by Pleistocene glaciers. Due to the resulting increased gradient after its eastward diversion by the glaciers, the Little Missouri River began rapidly downcutting into the soft, calcareous sedimentary shale, siltstone, and sandstone of the Fort Union and Hell Creek geological formations. This rapid downcutting eroded and carved the badlands of the MLRA. This cycle of erosion and deposition continues today.
Most of the soils in MLRA 58C developed from residuum weathered in place. As a result of constant erosion and deposition, the majority of soils in MLRA 58C are Entisols and Inceptisols. Mollisols formed on the high, stable drainageway divides and plateaus above the steeper, dissected hillslopes and fans that define the Little Missouri Badlands. Elevation ranges from 1,835 feet (560 meters) to 3,400 feet (1,036 meters). The Little Missouri River flows through the entire length of MLRA 58C and empties into Lake Sakakawea that was formed by the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River.
Classification relationships
Level IV Ecoregions of Conterminous United States: 43b-Little Missouri Badlands.
Ecological site concept
The Choppy Sands ecological site is located on nearly level to hilly sloping dunes associated with sand- laden hillslopes and occasionally flooded natural levees along Little Missouri River. Sandy eolian and alluvium sediments make up the parent material of this ecological site. The surface is typically very hummocky with dunes and blown-out areas common. Slopes are complex and have gradients ranging from 6 to 15 percent. The soil is loamy fine sand or coarser; if does not form a ribbon, but it may form a ball when squeezed. The surface layer is generally less than 3 inches thick but ranges from 2 to 5 inches. Associated ecological sites on more stable parts of the landscape are Sands, Sandy, Sandy Terrace, Shallow Sandy, and Limy Sands.
To see a full copy of the ecological site description with all tables and the full version 5 rangeland health worksheet, please use the following hyperlink:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/58C_Choppy_Sands_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf
Associated sites
R058CY076ND |
Sands This site is on more stable areas of the landscape. The surface layer is typically 6 to 12 inches thick. The soils are deep or very deep and somewhat excessively or excessively drained; carbonates may or may not be present in the soil solum. The soil contains high amounts of sand; it will not form a ribbon but may form a ball when squeezed. Where sandstone occurs in the profile, it is below a depth of 20 inches. The Sands site has more production than the Choppy Sands ecological site. |
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R058CY077ND |
Sandy This site is on more stable areas of the landscape. The soils are well drained or somewhat excessively drained. The surface layer is typically >7 inches thick. Soils on Sandy sites will form a weak ribbon less than 1 inch long. Where sandstone occurs in the profile, it is below a depth of 20 inches. The Sandy site has more production than the Choppy Sands ecological site. |
R058CY088ND |
Shallow Sandy This site is on hillslopes. The soils on the Shallow Sandy ecological site have coarse or moderately coarse textures 10 to 20 inches thick over soft sandstone bedrock (affects root growth). If the soil forms a ribbon, it is less than 1 inch long. The soils are somewhat excessively drained. |
R058CY089ND |
Sandy Terrace This site occurs on river or stream terraces with occasional (less than 20 times in 100 years) to rare (1 to 5 times in 100 years) flooding. The soils are very deep and well to excessively drained. If the soil forms a ribbon, it is less than 1 inch long. Stratified layers from periodic flood events are typical below the surface layer. Carbonates may or may not be present at or near the surface. The Choppy Sands ecological site is on nearby hummocky natural levees with wind-worked sediments. |
R058CY095ND |
Limy Sands This site occurs on shoulders and backslopes of uplands. The soils typically have a thin surface layer which is usually calcareous within 6 inches of the soil surface and are moderately deep (20 to 40 inches) to soft sandstone. Due to the high amounts of sand, the soil will not form a ribbon but may form a ball when squeezed. The Choppy Sands ecological site is on nearby hummocky dunes on the hillslopes. |
Similar sites
R058CY076ND |
Sands This site is on more stable areas of the landscape. The surface layer is typically 6 to 12 inches thick. The soils are deep or very deep and somewhat excessively or excessively drained; carbonates may or may not be present in the soil solum. The soil contains high amounts of sand; it will not form a ribbon but may form a ball when squeezed. Where sandstone occurs in the profile, it is below a depth of 20 inches. The Sands site has more production than the Choppy Sands ecological site. |
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Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on dunes associated with hillslopes (mainly in the southern part of MLRA 58C) and on natural levees associated with the floodplain of the Little Missouri River. The slopes are generally short giving a hummocky appearance to this site. Sandy eolian and alluvium sediments make up the parent material of this ecological site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Dune
(2) Natural levee |
---|---|
Runoff class | Negligible to very low |
Flooding frequency | None |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 1,835 – 3,400 ft |
Slope | 6 – 15% |
Water table depth | 48 – 80 in |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 58C is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of the MLRA. The continental climate is the result of the location of this MLRA in the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains, so air masses move unobstructed across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
Annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 17 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 41° F. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of about 17° F. July is the warmest month with an average temperature of about 70° F. The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is 53° F. This large temperature range attests to the continental nature of the MLRA 58C climate. Wind speeds average about 11 miles per hour, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime wind speeds are generally stronger than nighttime wind speeds, and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.
Growth of native cool-season plants begins in late March and continues to early to mid-July. Native warm- season plants begin growth in mid-May and continue to the end of August. Greening up of cool-season plants can occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.t.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 91-100 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 119-123 days |
Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 15-16 in |
Frost-free period (actual range) | 84-102 days |
Freeze-free period (actual range) | 116-123 days |
Precipitation total (actual range) | 14-16 in |
Frost-free period (average) | 95 days |
Freeze-free period (average) | 121 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 15 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) TROTTERS 3 SSE [USC00328812], Beach, ND
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(2) WATFORD CITY 14S [USC00329246], Grassy Butte, ND
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(3) MEDORA 7 E [USW00094080], Fairfield, ND
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(4) AMIDON [USC00320209], Amidon, ND
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(5) CARLYLE 13 NW [USC00241518], Wibaux, MT
Influencing water features
Typically, no significant water features influence this site. However, a fluctuating water table can occur on some areas associated with flood plain steps, depending on the water level of the Little Missouri River. The water table is deeper than 4 feet (typically deeper than 6 feet) throughout the growing season. The plant community on this site receives little or no benefit from ground water, even when at its shallowest. Surface infiltration and permeability through the profile are rapid. Water loss is primarily through percolation below the root zone with some loss through evapotranspiration.
Soil features
Soils associated with Choppy Sands ES are in the Entisol order; they are classified further as Aridic Ustipsamments. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. They formed in eolian sands. These soils are very deep and excessively drained. The common features of soils in this site are the sandy textures throughout the soil profile, thin surface layer, and slopes of 6 to 15 percent. The soils in this site are excessively drained formed in eolian deposits (from wind-worked alluvium and weathered residuum). The surface layer typically ranges from 2 to 5 inches thick; but in some areas, there is no discernible surface layer due to active erosion. Soil textures are typically loamy fine sand or fine sand, but loamy sand or sand also occur.
Due to the sandy nature of this site, the soil surface is considered unstable; areas of blow-outs can occur.
These soils are susceptible to water and wind erosion. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
The major soil series which characterizes the Choppy Sands ecological site is Zeona.
Access Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material |
(1)
Eolian sands
(2) Alluvium (3) Residuum |
---|---|
Surface texture |
(1) Loamy fine sand (2) Loamy sand (3) Fine sand |
Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
Drainage class | Excessively drained |
Permeability class | Rapid |
Depth to restrictive layer | 80 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
2 – 4 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in) |
Not specified |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
This ecological site description is based on nonequilibrium ecology and resilience theory and utilizes a State- and-Transition Model (STM) diagram to organize and communicate information about ecosystem change as a basis for management. The ecological dynamics characterized by the STM diagram reflect how changes in ecological drivers, feedback mechanisms, and controlling variables can maintain or induce changes in plant community composition (phases and/or states). The application of various management actions, combined with weather variables, impact the ecological processes which influence the competitive interactions, thereby maintaining or altering plant community structure.
Prior to European influence, the historical disturbance regime for MLRA 58C included frequent fires, both anthropogenic and natural in origin. Most fires, however, were anthropogenic fires set by Native Americans. Native Americans set fires in all months except perhaps January. These fires occurred in two peak periods, one from March-May with the peak in April and another from July-November with the peak occurring in October. Most of these fires were scattered and of small extent and duration. The grazing history would have involved grazing and browsing by large herbivores (such as American bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, and whitetail deer). Herbivory by small mammals, insects, nematodes, and other invertebrates are also important factors influencing the production and composition of the communities. Grazing and fire interaction, particularly when coupled with drought events, influenced the dynamics discussed and displayed in the following state and transition diagram and descriptions.
Following European influence, this ecological site generally has had a history of grazing by domestic livestock, particularly cattle, which along with other related activities (e.g., fencing, water development, fire suppression) has changed the disturbance regime of the site. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to these and other factors.
Weather fluctuations coupled with managerial factors may lead to changes in the plant communities and may, under adverse impacts, result in a slow decline in vegetative vigor and composition. However, under favorable conditions the botanical composition may resemble that prior to European influence.
Three vegetative states have been identified for the site (Reference, Native/Invaded, and Invaded). Within each state, one or more community phases have been identified. These community phases are named based on the more dominant and visually conspicuous species; they have been determined by study of historical documents, relict areas, scientific studies, and ecological aspects of plant species and plant communities. Transitional pathways and thresholds have been determined through similar methods.
State 1: Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site prior to European influence. Dynamics of the state were largely determined by variations in climate and weather (e.g., drought), as well as that of fire (e.g., timing, frequency) and grazing by native herbivores (e.g., frequency, intensity, selectivity). Due to those variations, the Reference State is thought to have shifted temporally and spatially between three plant community phases.
Currently the primary disturbances include widespread introduction of exotic species, concentrated livestock grazing, lack of fire, and perhaps long-term non-use and no fire. Because of these changes (particularly the widespread occurrence of exotic species), as well as other environmental changes, the Reference State is considered to no longer exist. Thus, the presence of exotic species on the site precludes it from being placed in the Reference State. It must then be placed in one of the other states, commonly State 2: Native/Invaded State (T1A).
State 2: Native/Invaded State. Colonization of the site by exotic species results in a transition from State 1: Reference State to State 2: Native/Invaded State (T1A). This transition was probably inevitable; it often resulted from colonization by exotic cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, and/or crested wheatgrass) which have been particularly and consistently invasive under extended periods of no use and no fire. Other exotics, such as leafy spurge, are also known to invade the site.
Three community phases have been identified for this state; they are similar to the community phases in the Reference State but have now been invaded by exotic cool-season grasses. These exotic cool-season grasses can be expected to increase. As that increase occurs, plants more desirable to wildlife and livestock may decline. A decline in forb diversity can also be expected. Under non-use or minimal use management, mulch increases and may become a physical barrier to plant growth. This also changes the micro-climate near the soil surface and may alter infiltration, nutrient cycling, and biological activity near the soil surface. As a result, these factors combined with shading cause desirable native plants to have increasing difficulty remaining viable and recruitment declines.
To slow or limit the invasion of these exotic grasses or other exotic plants, it is imperative that managerial techniques (e.g., prescribed grazing, prescribed burning) be carefully constructed, monitored, and evaluated with respect to that objective. If management does not include measures to control or reduce these exotic plants, the transition to State 3: Invaded State should be expected (T2A). Managers need to understand when the plant community is at or near these parameters; all data available needs to be evaluated to determine needed management actions.
State 3: Invaded State. The threshold for this state is reached when both the exotic cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, crested wheatgrass) exceed 30% of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40% of the community. Managers need to understand when the plant community is at or near these parameters; all data available needs to be evaluated to determine needed management actions. One community phase has been identified for this state.
The exotic cool-season grasses can be quite invasive and often form monotypic stands. As they increase, both forage quantity and quality of the annual production becomes increasingly restricted to late spring and early summer, even though annual production may increase. Forb diversity often declines. Under non-use or minimal use management, mulch can increase and become a physical barrier to plant growth which alters nutrient cycling, infiltration, and soil biological activity. As such, desirable native plants become increasingly displaced.
Once the state is well established, prescribed burning and prescribed grazing techniques have been largely ineffective in suppressing or eliminating the exotic cool-season grasses, even though some short-term reductions may appear successful. However, assuming there is an adequate component of native grasses to respond to treatments, a restoration pathway to State 2: Native/Invaded State may be accomplished with the implementation of long-term prescribed grazing in conjunction with prescribed burning (R3A).
The following state and transition model diagram illustrates the common states, community phases, community pathways, and transition and restoration pathways that can occur on the site. These are the most common plant community phases and states based on current knowledge and experience; changes may be made as more data are collected. Pathway narratives describing the site’s ecological dynamics reference various management practices (e.g., prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, brush management, herbaceous weed treatment) which, if properly designed and implemented, will positively influence plant community competitive interactions. The design of these management practices will be site specific and should be developed by knowledgeable individuals; based upon management goals and a resource inventory; and supported by an ongoing monitoring protocol.
When the management goal is to maintain an existing plant community phase or restore to another phase within the same state, modification of existing management to ensure native species have the competitive advantage may be required. To restore a previous state, the application of two or more management practices in an ongoing manner will be required. Whether using prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, or a combination of both with or without additional practices (e.g., brush management), the timing and method of application needs to favor the native species over the exotic species. Adjustments to account for variations in annual growing conditions and implementing an ongoing monitoring protocol to track changes and adjust management inputs to ensure desired outcome will be necessary.
The plant community phase composition table(s) has been developed from the best available knowledge including research, historical records, clipping studies, and inventory records. As more data are collected, plant community species composition and production information may be revised.
State and transition model

Figure 8. Choppy Sands State and Transition model

Figure 9. Choppy Sands State and Transition model key
More interactive model formats are also available.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
T1A | - | Introduction of exotic cool-season grasses |
---|---|---|
T2A | - | Extended periods of moderate to heavy grazing |
R3A | - | Long-term prescribed grazing with prescribed burning |
T4A | - | Cessation of annual cropping |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A | - | Below average precipitation with or without heavy grazing |
---|---|---|
1.2A | - | Return to average precipitation with light to moderate grazing |
1.2B | - | Prolonged drought with or without heavy grazing |
1.3A | - | Return to average precipitation with light to moderate grazing |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A | - | Below average precipitation with or without heavy season-long grazing |
---|---|---|
2.1B | - | Extended drought with or without heavy season-long grazing |
2.2A | - | Return to average precipitation with prescribed grazing and prescribed burning |
2.2B | - | Prolonged drought with or without heavy season-long grazing |
2.3A | - | Return to average precipitation with prescribed grazing and prescribed burning |
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
This state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site prior to European influence. The primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included frequent fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing, coupled with weather events, dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. These factors likely caused the community to shift both spatially and temporally between three community phases. Today the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire and concentrated livestock grazing. Grasses that were desirable for livestock and wildlife have declined along with a corresponding increase in the less desirable grasses.
Characteristics and indicators. Because of changes in disturbances and other environmental factors (particularly the widespread occurrence of exotic species), the Reference State is considered to no longer exist.
Resilience management. If intact, the reference state should probably be managed with current disturbance regimes which has permitted the site to remain in reference condition as well as maintaining the quality and integrity of associated ecological sites. Maintenance of the reference condition is contingent upon a monitoring protocol to guide management.
Community 1.1
Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrasses-Sand Bluestem/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs (Calamovilfa longifolia-Hesperostipa spp., Andropogon hallii/Artemisia cana/Forbs)
This community phase was the most dominant both temporally and spatially. The prevailing climate and weather patterns favored the development of this community phase. Tall statured warm-season grasses, such as sand bluestem and prairie sandreed, would have been co-dominant with mid statured warm-season and cool-season grasses (such as needle and thread, porcupinegrass, and little bluestem). Other grasses and grass-like species would have included sideoats grama, Canada wildrye, sand dropseed, prairie Junegrass, blue grama, and sun sedge. A variety of perennial forbs including prairie spiderwort, dotted blazing star, goldenrod, field sagewort, hairy false goldenaster, silky prairie clover, and sunflower were also present. Common shrubs included silver sagebrush, prairie sagewort, leadplant, soapweed yucca, and rose. Annual production would have ranged from roughly 800-1640 pounds per acre with grassesand grass-likes, forbs, and shrubs contributing about 85%, 10% and 5%, respectively. Both warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses were well represented in the community. As a result, production would have been distributed throughout the growing season. This community represents the plant community phase upon which interpretations are primarily based and is described in the “Plant Community Composition and Group Annual Production” portion of this ecological site description.
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 715 | 1139 | 1445 |
Forb | 60 | 96 | 130 |
Shrub/Vine | 25 | 45 | 65 |
Total | 800 | 1280 | 1640 |
Community 1.2
Sun Sedge/Sand Dropseed-Needle and Thread/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs (Carex inops/Sporobolus cryptandrus-Hesperostipa comata/Artemisia cana/Forbs)
Grasses and grass-like species would have still dominated this phase, but the overall productivity of these species would have decreased compared to Community Phase 1.1. Forb diversity and production would have increased. Needle and thread, blue grama, sand dropseed, and sedges would have increased, while prairie sandreed and the bluestems would have decreased. Forb species (such as field sagewort, goldenrod, Cuman ragweed, common yarrow, and upright prairie coneflower) would have increased. With a shift to shallower rooted and short statured graminoids (such as blue grama and sedges), coupled with an increase in bare ground, annual plant production may have been slightly reduced.
Community 1.3
Bare Ground/Sand Dropseed/Pioneer Species (Bare Ground/Sporobolus cryptandrus/Pioneer Species)
This Plant Community may be characterized by “blowouts” (i.e., active dunes and/or denuded areas caused by wind erosion). Active wind erosion would have been very evident with soil deposition on the leeward side of the “blowouts”. This phase was unstable and generally occupied small, isolated areas (e.g., 2 acres or less). Vegetation would have been sparse and scattered with sand dropseed along with scattered patches of prairie sandreed, sand bluestem and Canada wildrye. Other pioneer perennial and annual species, such as mat sandbur and common sunflower, comprised the majority of the vegetation. Depending upon depth to the water table, excessive soil erosion in isolated instances may have resulted in a change in ecological site designation. As erosion progressed and depth to seasonal water table decreased, Subirrigated Sands and/or Subirrigated ecological sites may have developed within the Choppy Sands ecological site complex. Bare ground would have exceeded 90 percent, with annual production and plant litter greatly reduced compared to Community Phase 1.1.
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Community Phase Pathway 1.1 to 1.2 occurred with below average precipitation with or without heavy grazing. This resulted in marked increases in sun sedge and sand dropseed with corresponding decreases in sand bluestem and prairie sandreed.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Community Phase Pathway 1.2 to 1.1 occurred with the return to average precipitation with light to moderate grazing which resulted in marked increases in sand bluestem and prairie sandreed along with corresponding decreases in sun sedge and sand dropseed. Tall statured warm-season species and mid statured warm- season and cool-season bunch grasses would also have increased. As the plant community recovered, basal gaps would have decreased while plant litter would have increased.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Community Phase Pathway 1.2 to 1.3 occurred during prolonged drought (with or without heavy grazing), leading to excessive disturbances (such wildlife trailing or burrowing, or heavy grazing by wildlife due to proximity to a perennial water source). This would have resulted in decreases in sun sedge, sand dropseed, and needle and thread along with corresponding increases in bare ground, sand bluestem, and pioneer species. Coupled with the repeated disturbances, this would have increased wind erosion sufficient to form “blowouts” (i.e., active dunes and/or denuded areas caused by wind erosion). These “blowouts” may have been relatively small and isolated or, depending upon the extent of the disturbance, much more extensive (i.e., long-term drought).
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Community Phase Pathway 1.3 to 1.2 would have occurred with the return to average precipitation with light to moderate grazing. This would have resulted in increases in sun sedge, sand dropseed, and needle and thread along with corresponding decreases in bare ground, sand dropseed, and pioneer species. This increased plant cover, reduced erosion, and stabilized “blowouts”, leading to the reestablishment of Community Phase 1.2.
State 2
Native/Invaded State
This state is similar to State 1: Reference State but has now been colonized by the exotic plants (typically cool- season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, and/or crested wheatgrass). Extended wet periods, particularly those including cool and wet springs, facilitate the invasion by these exotic cool-season grasses. Leafy spurge also commonly invades the site. Scattered small stands of shrubs including chokecherry, western snowberry, poison ivy, and other woody species are often interspersed among the grass dominated communities on the site. The exotic cool-season grasses can be quite invasive on the site and are particularly well adapted to heavy grazing. They also often form monotypic stands. As these exotic cool-season grasses increase, both forage quantity and quality become increasingly restricted to late spring and early summer due to the monotypic nature of the stand, even though annual production may increase. Native forbs generally decrease in production, abundance, diversity, and richness compared to that of State 1: Reference State. Although the state may still be dominated by native grasses, an increase in these exotic cool-season grasses (and/or leafy spurge and other exotic plants) can be expected. These exotic cool-season grasses have been particularly and consistently invasive under extended periods of no use and no fire. To slow or limit the invasion of these exotic grasses, it is imperative that managerial techniques (e.g., prescribed grazing, prescribed burning) be carefully constructed, monitored, and evaluated with respect to that objective. If management does not include measures to control or reduce these exotic cool-season grasses, the transition to State 3: Invaded State can be expected. Annual production of this state can be quite variable, in large part due to the amount of exotic cool-season grasses. However, as the exotic cool-season grasses increases, peak production will shift to earlier in the growing season.
Characteristics and indicators. The presence of trace amounts of exotic cool-season grasses indicates a transition from State 1 to State 2. The presence of exotic biennial or perennial leguminous forbs (i.e., sweet clover, black medic) may not, on their own, indicate a transition from State 1 to State 2 but may facilitate that transition.
Resilience management. To slow or limit the invasion of these exotic grasses, it is imperative that managerial techniques (e.g., prescribed grazing, prescribed burning) be carefully constructed, monitored, and evaluated with respect to that objective. Grazing management should be applied that enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species. This may include: (1) early spring grazing when exotic cool-season grasses are actively growing and native cool-season grasses are dormant; (2) applying proper deferment periods allowing native grasses to recover and maintain or improve vigor; (3) adjusting overall grazing intensity to reduce excessive plant litter (above that needed for rangeland health indicator #14 – see Rangeland Health Reference Worksheet); (4) incorporating early heavy spring utilization which focuses grazing pressure on exotic cool-season grasses and reduces plant litter, provided that livestock are moved when grazing selection shifts from exotic cool-season grasses to native grasses. Prescribed burning should be applied in a manner that maintains or enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species. Prescribed burns should be applied as needed to adequately reduce/remove excessive plant litter and maintain the competitive advantage for native species. Timing of prescribed burns (spring vs. summer vs. fall) should be adjusted to account for differences in annual growing conditions and applied during windows of opportunity to best shift the competitive advantage to the native species.
Community 2.1
Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrasses-Sand Bluestem/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs (Calamovilfa longifolia-Hesperostipa spp., Andropogon hallii/Artemisia cana/Forbs)

Figure 11. Community Phase 2.1: Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrasses-Sand Bluestem/Silver Sagebrush Forbs; 9% slope in foreground; 20% in background, note short slope length.
This Community Phase resembles Community Phase 1.1 in appearance and ecological functions, but it has been invaded by exotic cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, crested wheatgrass). These exotics grasses, however, are present in smaller amounts with the community still dominated by native grasses. Forbs and shrubs are also often conspicuous components of the community and include silver sagebrush, field sagewort, cumin ragweed, sunflower, hairy false goldenaster, goldenrod, prairie sagewort, and rose. This community is maintained with grazing systems that allow for adequate recovery periods following grazing events, perhaps in combination with prescribed burning which closely mimics the natural disturbance regime.
Community 2.2
Sun Sedge/Sand Dropseed-Needle and Thread/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs (Carex inops/Sporobolus cryptandrus-Hesperostipa comata/Artemisia cana/Forbs)
This Community Phase is similar to Community Phase 1.2 but has typically been colonized by exotic cool- season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, crested wheatgrass). Leafy spurge is also a common exotic of concern. However, these exotics are present in smaller amounts with the community still dominated by native grasses. Grasses and grass-like species still dominate this phase, but their overall productivity has declined while forb diversity and production have increased compared to Community Phase 2.1. Prairie sandreed, sand bluestem, sideoats grama, little bluestem, and porcupinegrass have decreased, while short statured grasses such as blue grama and grass-likes, as well as sand dropseed and the exotic cool-season grasses, have increased. Forbs and shrubs are often conspicuous components of the community and include silver sagebrush, field sagewort, Cumin ragweed, sunflower, hairy false goldenaster, goldenrod, prairie sagewort, and rose. Exotic forbs, such as leafy spurge, may also be present. This community phase is often dispersed throughout a pasture in an overgrazed/undergrazed pattern, typically referred to as patch grazing. Some overgrazed areas will exhibit the impacts of heavy use, while the ungrazed areas will have a build-up of litter and increased plant decadence. This is a typical pattern found in properly stocked pastures grazed season-long. As a result, Kentucky bluegrass tends to increase more in the undergrazed areas while the more grazing tolerant short statured species, such as blue grama and sedges, increase in the heavily grazed areas. If present, Kentucky bluegrass may increase under heavy grazing. The shift to the shallower rooted and short statured blue grama and sedges, coupled with an increase in bare ground, results in increased soil surface temperatures. Infiltration rates would be similar, as would the timing of plant production. However, annual plant production is slightly reduced. This community phase is also approaching the threshold leading to a transition to State 3: Invaded State. As a result, it is an “at risk” community. If management does not include measures to control or reduce these exotic cool-season grasses (or leafy spurge), the transition to State 3: Invaded State should be expected.
Community 2.3
Bare Ground/Sand Dropseed/Pioneer Species (Bare Ground/Sporobolus cryptandrus/Pioneer Species)
This Community Phase is similar to Community Phase 1.3 but typically has been colonized by exotic cool- season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, crested wheatgrass). However, these exotics are present in smaller amounts with the community still dominated by native grasses. Leafy spurge is also an exotic plant of concern. This Plant Community may be characterized by “blowouts” (i.e., active dunes and/or denuded areas caused by wind erosion). Active wind erosion is very evident with soil deposition on the leeward side of the “blowouts”. It is unstable and generally occupies small, isolated areas (e.g., 2 acres or less), but can increase to become more extensive. Vegetation consists of sparse and scattered patches of prairie sandreed, sand bluestem and Canada wildrye along with other pioneer perennial and annual species, such as mat sandbur and common sunflower.
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Community Phase Pathway 2.1 to 2.2 occurs with below average precipitation with or without heavy grazing. This results in marked increases in sun sedge and sand dropseed with corresponding decreases in sand bluestem and prairie sandreed.
Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3
Community Phase Pathway 2.1 to 2.3 occurs during extended drought with or without heavy grazing. Excessive disturbances (such as those associated with off-road vehicle use, wildlife trailing or burrowing, or heavy grazing by wildlife due to proximity to a perennial water source) result in decreases in sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, needlegrasses, forbs, and shrubs along with corresponding increases in bare ground, sand drop seed, and pioneer species. Coupled with the repeated disturbances, this increases wind erosion sufficient to form “blowouts” (i.e., active dunes and/or denuded areas caused by wind erosion). These “blowouts” may be relatively small and isolated or, depending upon the extent of the disturbance, much more extensive (i.e., long-term drought).
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Community Phase Pathway 2.2 to 2.1 occurs with the return to average precipitation with prescribed grazing and prescribed burning. This results in marked increases in sand bluestem and prairie sandreed along with corresponding decreases in sun sedge and sand dropseed. Tall statured warm-season species and mid statured warm-season and cool-season bunch grasses also increase. As the plant community recovers, basal gaps decrease while plant litter increases. Both prescribed grazing and prescribed burning are likely necessary to successfully complete the pathway. Application of several prescribed burns may be needed at relatively short intervals in the early phases of this restoration process, in part because many of the shrubs (e.g., western snowberry) sprout profusely following one burn. Early season prescribed burns have been successful; however, fall burning may also be an effective technique. The prescribed grazing should include adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and stocking levels which match the available resources. If properly implemented, this will shift the competitive advantage to native grasses and forbs.
Pathway 2.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.3
Community Phase Pathway 2.2 to 2.3 occurs during prolonged drought with or without heavy grazing. Excessive disturbances (such as wildlife trailing or burrowing, or heavy grazing by wildlife due to proximity to a perennial water source) result in decreases in sun sedge, needle and thread, forbs, and shrubs, along with corresponding increases in bare ground, sand dropseed, and pioneer species. Coupled with the repeated disturbances, this increases wind erosion sufficient to form “blowouts” (i.e., active dunes and/or denuded areas caused by wind erosion). These “blowouts” may be relatively small and isolated or, depending upon the extent of the disturbance, much more extensive (i.e., long-term drought).
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Community Phase Pathway 2.3 to 2.2 occurs with the return to average precipitation with prescribed grazing and prescribed burning. This results in increases in sun sedge, sand dropseed, needle and thread, forbs, and shrubs along with corresponding decreases in bare ground and pioneer species. The increase in plant cover reduces erosion and stabilizes “blowouts”, leading to the reestablishment of Community Phase 2.2. Prescribed grazing and perhaps prescribed burning may be necessary to successfully complete the pathway. Application of several prescribed burns may be needed at relatively short intervals in the early phases of this restoration process, in part because many of the shrubs will sprout following one burn. Early season prescribed burns have been successful; however, fall burning may also be an effective technique. The prescribed grazing should include adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and stocking levels which match the available resources. If properly implemented, this will shift the competitive advantage to native grasses and forbs.
State 3
Invaded State
This state is the result of invasion and dominance by the exotic cool-season grasses (commonly Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, and/or crested wheatgrass). These exotic cool-season grasses can be quite invasive on the site and are particularly well adapted to heavy grazing. They also often form monotypic stands. As these exotic cool-season grasses increase, both forage quantity and quality become increasingly restricted to late spring and early summer due to the monotypic nature of the stand, even though annual production may increase. Native forbs generally decrease in production, abundance, diversity, and richness compared to that of State 1: Reference State; they may include Cuman ragweed, horsetail, silverleaf Indian breadroot, and white sagebrush. Prairie rose, leadplant, and poison ivy are common shrubs. Once the state is well established, prescribed burning and grazing techniques have been largely ineffective in suppressing or eliminating these species, even though some short-term reductions may appear successful. This site is also frequently invaded by leafy spurge, often in combination with Kentucky bluegrass. Research indicates that leafy spurge alters soil microbiology in a manner which inhibits the growth of native species. This effectively reduces any potential for restoration to a native dominated plant community without very significant intervention. Annual production of this state may vary widely, in part due to variations in the extent of invasion by exotic cool-season grasses. However, annual production may be in the range of 800-2000 pounds per acre, with the exotic cool-season grasses accounting for the bulk of the production. Peak plant production occurs during early spring through early summer.
Characteristics and indicators. This site is characterized by exotic cool-season grasses constituting greater than 30 percent of the annual production and native grasses constituting less than 40 percent of the annual production.
Resilience management. Light or moderately stocked continuous, season-long grazing or a prescribed grazing system which incorporates adequate deferment periods between grazing events and proper stocking rate levels will maintain this State. Application of herbaceous weed treatment, occasional prescribed burning and/or brush management may be needed to manage noxious weeds and increasing shrub (e.g., western snowberry) populations.
Community 3.1
Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs/Shrubs

Figure 12. Community Phase 3.1 – Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs/Shrubs – dominated by crested wheatgrass.
This community phase is dominated by exotic cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, and/or crested wheatgrass). Common forb and shrub species often include Cuman ragweed, white sagebrush, silverleaf Indian breadroot, horsetail, leadplant, and prairie rose. Total production may be in the range of 800-2000 pounds per acre, the bulk of which is from the exotic cool- season grasses and/or leafy spurge. The longer these community phases exist, the more resilient they become. Natural or management disturbances that reduce the cover of Kentucky bluegrass or smooth brome are typically short-lived.
State 4
Any Plant Community
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
This is the transition from the State 1: Reference State to the State 2: Native/Invaded State due to the introduction and establishment of exotic cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, crested wheatgrass). Leafy spurge may also invade the site. This transition was probably inevitable and corresponded to a decline in native warm-season and cool-season grasses; it may have been exacerbated by chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing. Complete rest from grazing and suppression of fire could also have hastened the transition. The threshold between states was crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, crested wheatgrass, or other exotic species became established on the site.
Constraints to recovery. Current knowledge and technology will not facilitate a successful restoration to Reference State.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
This Transition from State 2: Native/Invaded State to State 3: Invaded State typically occurs with extended periods of moderate to heavy grazing. These conditions often lead to the invasion by exotic cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, and/or crested wheatgrass). Studies indicate this threshold may exist when both Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30% of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community composition. Similar thresholds may exist for the other exotic cool-season grasses. Curbing the invasion by Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, or crested wheatgrass through prescribed spring burns is limited by early green-up. Efficacy of prescribed grazing techniques have also been largely limited. The peak production period of this state is restricted due to the monotypic nature of the stands. The invasion of leafy spurge onto this site can also initiate this pathway. As leafy spurge becomes established on the site, it limits use by livestock and changes the micro-climate at the soil surface, facilitating a shift from the native herbaceous species to a community dominated by introduced grasses and forbs.
Constraints to recovery. Variations in growing conditions (e.g., cool, wet spring) will influence effects of various management activities on exotic cool-season grass populations.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
This restoration pathway from the State 3: Invaded State to the State 2: Native/Invaded State may be accomplished with the implementation of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning, assuming there is an adequate component of native grasses to respond to the treatments. Both prescribed grazing and prescribed burning are likely necessary to successfully initiate this restoration pathway, the success of which depends upon the presence of a remnant population of native grasses in Community Phase 3.1. That remnant population, however, may not be readily apparent without close inspection. The application of several prescribed burns may be needed at relatively short intervals in the early phases of this restoration process, in part because many of the shrubs sprout profusely following one burn. Early season prescribed burns have been successful; however, fall burning may also be an effective technique. The prescribed grazing should include adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and stocking levels which match the available resources. If properly implemented, this will shift the competitive advantage from the exotic cool-season grasses to the native cool-season grasses.
Context dependence. Grazing management should be applied in a manner that enhances/maximizes the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species over the exotic species. This may include the use of prescribed grazing to reduce excessive plant litter accumulations above that needed for rangeland health indicator #14 (see Rangeland Health Reference Worksheet). Increasing livestock densities may facilitate the reduction in plant litter provided length and timing of grazing periods are adjusted to favor native species. Grazing prescriptions designed to address exotic grass invasion and favor native species may involve earlier, short, intense grazing periods with proper deferment to improve native species health and vigor. Fall (e.g., September, October) prescribed burning followed by an intensive, early spring graze period with adequate deferment for native grass recovery may shift the competitive advantage to the native species, facilitating the restoration to State 2: Native/Invaded. Prescribed burning should be applied in a manner that enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species over the exotic species. Prescribed burns should be applied at a frequency which mimics the natural disturbance regime, or more frequently as is ecologically (e.g., available fuel load) and economically feasible. Burn prescriptions may need adjustment to: (1) account for change in fine fuel orientation (e.g., “flopped” Kentucky bluegrass); (2) fire intensity and duration by adjusting ignition pattern (e.g., backing fires vs head fires); (3) account for plant phenological stages to maximize stress on exotic species while favoring native species (both cool- and warm-season grasses).
Transition T4A
State 4 to 3
This transition is most commonly associated with the cessation of cropping without the benefit of range planting, resulting in a “go-back” situation. Soil conditions can be quite variable on the site, in part due to variations in the management/cropping history (e.g., development of a tillage induced compacted layer (plow pan), erosion, fertility, and/or herbicide/pesticide carryover). Thus, soil conditions should be assessed when considering restoration techniques.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Bluestem | 192–320 | ||||
sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 192–256 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–64 | – | ||
2 | Other Native Tall Grasses | 128–256 | ||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 128–256 | – | ||
3 | Needlegrass | 128–256 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 128–192 | – | ||
4 | Grama | 26–64 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 13–64 | – | ||
hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–38 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 64–128 | ||||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 13–26 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 13–26 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 13–26 | – | ||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 13–26 | – | ||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 13–26 | – | ||
plains reedgrass | CAMO | Calamagrostis montanensis | 0–13 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–13 | – | ||
Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–13 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–13 | – | ||
6 | Grass-Likes | 64–128 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 64–90 | – | ||
Pennsylvania sedge | CAPE6 | Carex pensylvanica | 26–38 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 13–26 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 64–128 | ||||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 13–38 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 26–38 | – | ||
beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 26–38 | – | ||
longbract spiderwort | TRBR | Tradescantia bracteata | 26–38 | – | ||
silky prairie clover | DAVI | Dalea villosa | 13–26 | – | ||
stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 13–26 | – | ||
hairy false goldenaster | HEVIB | Heterotheca villosa var. ballardii | 13–26 | – | ||
hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 13–26 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 13–26 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 13–26 | – | ||
lemon scurfpea | PSLA3 | Psoralidium lanceolatum | 13–26 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 13–26 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–13 | – | ||
plains milkvetch | ASGI5 | Astragalus gilviflorus | 0–13 | – | ||
wavyleaf thistle | CIUN | Cirsium undulatum | 0–13 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–13 | – | ||
western wallflower | ERAS2 | Erysimum asperum | 0–13 | – | ||
buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 0–13 | – | ||
bractless blazingstar | MENU | Mentzelia nuda | 0–13 | – | ||
western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–13 | – | ||
large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | 0–13 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–13 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 26–64 | ||||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 13–26 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 13–26 | – | ||
soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 13–26 | – | ||
creeping juniper | JUHO2 | Juniperus horizontalis | 0–13 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–13 | – | ||
western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–13 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–13 | – |
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations
Landscape:
The MLRA 58C landscape is characterized by moderately dissected rolling plains with areas of local Badlands, buttes, and isolated hills. MLRA 58C is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of the MLRA. This area supports natural mixed-grass prairie vegetation with prairie rose, leadplant, and patches of western snowberry interspersed throughout the area. Green ash, chokecherry, and buffaloberry occur in draws and narrow valleys, creating woody riparian corridors. Complex/intermingled ecological sites create diverse grass- and shrubland habitats interspersed with varying densities linear, slope, depressional, and in-stream wetlands associated with headwater streams and tributaries to the Missouri River. These habitats provide critical life-cycle components for many wildlife species.
Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:
The northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary ecological drivers (either singly or often in combination). Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and large herds of Audubon bighorn sheep, roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were historically among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Bighorn sheep have been re-introduced. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammal and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to large predators (such as the wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear) and smaller carnivores (such as the coyote, bobcat, red fox, and raptors). The black-tailed prairie dog was once abundant and provided ecological services by manipulating the plant and soil community providing habitat for the black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, swift fox, small mammals, and amphibians and reptiles. Extirpated species include free-ranging American bison, Canada lynx, common raven, grizzly bear, gray wolf, black-footed ferret, mountain plover, and peregrine falcon (breeding). Extinct from the region is the Rocky Mountain locust.
Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:
Following European influence, domestic livestock grazing, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced plant community composition and abundance. Transportation corridors, energy development, and Rocky Mountain juniper and ponderosa pine encroachment are the main factors contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area-sensitive species. These influences fragmented the landscape, reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire), and introduced exotic plant species including smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge further impacting plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison, reduction of black-tailed prairie dogs, and fire, as primary ecological drivers, greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape, lacking diverse species composition and stature.
Extensive fragmentation by annual cropping has not occurred within the MLRA. Limited fragmentation from annual cropping or tame hay production has occurred within the Little Missouri River flood plain and the higher, flat plateaus. Fragmentation east and west of MLRA 58C has funneled many species into this area in search of expansive grasslands.
Some wildlife species in this area are: mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lion, coyote, red fox, bobcat, prairie rattlesnake, American badger, raccoon, North American porcupine, beaver, striped skunk, American mink, white-tailed jackrabbit, black-tailed prairie dog, Eastern and Merriam’s wild turkey, golden eagle, ferruginous hawks, sharp-tailed grouse, greater sage-grouse, black-billed magpie, and numerous species of grassland-nesting birds and pollinating insects. The highest diversity of bats in North Dakota also occurs in this MLRA, where eleven species have been documented.
Presence of wildlife species is often determined by ecological site characteristics including grass and forb species, hydrology, aspect, and other associated ecological sites. Home ranges for most species are larger than one ecological site or are dependent on more than one ecological site for annual life requisites. Ecological sites offer different habitat elements as the annual life requisites change. Habitat improvement and creation must be conducted within the mobility limits of a known population for the species.
Insects play an important role providing ecological services for plant community development. Insects that are scavengers or aid in decomposition provide the food chain baseline sustaining the carnivorous insects feeding upon them. Many insects provide the ecological services necessary for pollination, keeping plant communities healthy and productive. Insects provide a protein food source for numerous species including grassland nesting birds and their young.
Species unique to the MLRA:
Mountain Lions: Mountain lions were relatively common in the Badlands but disappeared from the state by the early 20th Century. Sightings resumed in the 1950’s and have subsequently increased since that time. The species has recently taken up permanent residency within the region. Mountain lions occur in of the Little Missouri Badlands and woody habitat in MLRA 58C. Rugged terrain and forest provide excellent stalking cover to hunt large mammals and other prey. Mountain lions make use of caves for escape and loafing cover.
Bighorn sheep: Bighorn sheep make use of the rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and high plateaus of MLRA 58C along the Little Missouri River. North Dakota bighorn sheep populations are almost exclusively within MLRA 58C. Bighorn sheep were once extirpated from North Dakota but were successfully reintroduced in the mid-twentieth century. They now occur in several distinct populations within MLRA 58C. Rocky Mountain juniper encroachment degrades the limited habitat for bighorn sheep. Managers should consider bighorn sheep association with domestic sheep, since transfer of pneumonia and other diseases is known to occur.
Golden eagle: The badlands within MLRA 58C are key areas for Golden eagle nesting. Adjacent grasslands, shrublands, and black-tailed prairie dog towns are used for hunting.
Bats: MLRA 58C provides life requisites for several bat species, in part due to presence of riparian forest, wooded draws, caves, and rocky outcrops. Hibernacula of six bat species have been found in MRLA 58C; however, additional work is needed to further understand utilization of hibernacula by bats during the winter months in North Dakota.
Short-horned lizard and sagebrush lizard: This MLRA provides preferred habitat for these two species. The short-horned lizard prefers semi-arid, shortgrass prairie in rough terrain, and is uncommon to locally abundant in MLRA 58C. The rare sagebrush lizard prefers sagebrush and rocky areas provided by this MLRA and adjacent MLRA 58D.
Greater sage-grouse and Brewer’s sparrow: The extreme southwest extension of MLRA 58C have ecological sites capable of producing sufficient big sage canopy cover to provide greater sage-grouse life requisites. MLRA 58C and 58D are the only MLRAs in North Dakota that support Wyoming big sage brush (big sage) production. Research data indicates greater sage-grouse prefer big sagebrush canopy cover for nesting at ≥8% with an average height of around 16 inches. The species prefers winter cover canopy that averages 15% with an average height of around 8 inches. Soil site potential, management, climate, and other factors all play a role in the amount, if any, of big sagebrush on an ecological site. Changes in big sage canopy cover occur slowly (30-50 years) unless the site is impacted by fire or cultivation. Big sage recovery after a burn can take 30 to 100 years. Greater sage- grouse and Brewer’s sparrow habitat and populations are reduced or eliminated when big sagebrush canopy is reduced to less than 8% for greater sage-grouse and 10% cover for Brewer’s sparrow. As conifer encroachment increases, greater sage-grouse lekking activity decreases. Once conifer encroachment exceeds 4% canopy cover, no leks remain.
Species of Concern within the MLRA:
Following is a list of species considered “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015); “species of greatest conservation need” in the Montana State Wildlife Action Plan (2015); and species listed as “threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act within MLRA 58C at the time this section was developed:
Invertebrates: Dakota skipper, monarch butterfly, regal fritillary, yellow-banded bumble bee, and western bumble bee.
Birds: American kestrel, Baird’s sparrow, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, bobolink, Brewer’s sparrow, burrowing owl, chestnut-collared longspur, common poorwill, eastern screech-owl ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, grasshopper sparrow, greater sage-grouse, lark bunting, loggerhead shrike, long-billed curlew, marbled godwit, McCown’s longspur, mountain plover, northern harrier, northern pintail, peregrine falcon (migration), prairie falcon, red knot (migration), red-headed woodpecker, sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Sprague’s pipit, Swainson’s hawk, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, Wilson’s phalarope, whooping crane (migration), and willet.
Mammals: Big brown bat, black-footed ferret, black-tailed prairie dog, dwarf shrew, gray wolf, hispid pocket mouse, little brown bat, long-eared bat, long-legged bat, meadow jumping mouse, Merriam’s shrew, northern long-eared bat, porcupine, sagebrush vole, swift fox, Townsend’s big- eared bat, and western small-footed bat.
Amphibians and Reptiles: Common snapping turtle, Great Plains toad, greater short-horned lizard, milk snake, northern leopard frog, plains hognose snake, plains spadefoot, sagebrush lizard, smooth softshell, smooth green snake, and spiny softshell.
Fish and Mussels: Blue sucker, burbot, Flathead chub, northern redbelly dace, sickle-fin chub, pearl dace, shortnose gar, sturgeon chub, and sauger.
Grassland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA
Management activities within the community phase pathways impact wildlife. Community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways are keys to long-term management within each State and between States. Significant inputs must occur to cross the threshold between States (e.g., State 3.0 to 2.0) requiring substantial economic inputs and management (mechanical, reseeding, prescribed fire, woody vegetation removal, grazing intensity, etc.). Timing, intensity, and frequency of these inputs can have dramatic positive or negative effects on local wildlife species. Ranchers and other land managers must always consider the long-term beneficial effects of management on the habitat in comparison to potential short-term negative effects to individuals.
Ecological sites occur as intermingled complexes on the landscape with gradual or sometimes abrupt transitions. Rarely do ecological sites exist in large enough acreage to manage independently. Ecological sites, supporting a dominance of herbaceous vegetation (Loamy/Limy Residual), can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support medium to tall shrubs (Loamy Overflow). Conversely, ecological sites that are dominated by short to mid statured grasses (Claypan) can be adjacent to sites with bare soil only supporting minor amounts of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).
Management of these complex ecological sites can provide a heterogeneous or a homogenous landscape. Grassland bird use declines as the plant community transitions to a homogenous state. Managers 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 Flat Bottom Wooded Draw 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 capabilities of the site to provide sustainable habitat. Managers also need to 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. Plant communities, optimal for a guild of grassland species, serve as a population source where the birth rate exceeds mortality. Species may use marginal plant communities; however, these sites may function as a population sink where mortality exceeds the birth rate.
Understanding preferred vegetative stature and sensitivity to woody encroachment is necessary to manage for the specific grassland species. Various grass heights may be used for breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat. While most species use varying heights, many have a preferred vegetative stature height. Please reference the provisional ESD on the North Dakota eFOTG (linked below) for a chart that provides preferred vegetative stature heights and sensitivity to woody vegetation encroachment.
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/58C_Choppy_Sands_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf
Choppy Sands Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:
The Choppy Sands ecological site is located on nearly level to hilly sloping dunes associated with sand-laden hillslopes and occasionally flooded natural levees associated with floodplains along the Little Missouri River. Associated ecological sites include Sands, Sandy, Shallow Sandy, Sandy Terrace, and Limy Sands. Choppy Sands ecological sites tend to provide habitat for many edge-sensitive, grassland bird species preferring medium- to tall-statured vegetation. 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. The Riparian Complex ecological site (associated with Little Missouri River) is in close proximity and provides travel corridors from many mammalian species, making Choppy Sands sites quality forage areas for small and large herbivores.
Choppy Sands ecological sites may be found in three plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, and 3.0 Invaded State) within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist within States 1.0 and 2.0. Today, these states occur primarily in response to precipitation (extended periods of above normal precipitation or drought), fire, grazing, non-use (lack of management), and other anthropogenic disturbances.
Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along the T2A Transitional Pathway to State 3.0. Native wildlife species dependent upon grassland cover generally benefit from the heterogeneous grasslands found in States 1.0 and 2.0. Plant communities within State 2.0 depend upon long-term changes in precipitation and are compounded by grazing intensity and frequency.
Success along Restoration Pathway R3A from State 3.0 to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of a remnant native grass population and degree of management treatments applied. Managers must realize there is no restoration pathway back to State 1.0 and, once the plant community reaches States 3.0, it is very difficult to transition back to State 2.0. Management along community phase, transition, or restoration pathways should focus upon attainable changes. Short- and long-term monetary costs must be evaluated against short- and long-term ecological services in creating and maintaining habitat of sufficient quality to support a sustainable population density.
1.0 Reference State
Community Phase 1.1 Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrasses-Sand Bluestem/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs:
This plant community offers excellent vegetative cover for wildlife; every effort should be made, when found, 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. Fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. 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 grassland 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 lower trophic level consumers (such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders).
No violet species are found on this site, limiting use by Regal fritillary. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs on this site; however, limited milkweed species and numbers are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs as a nectar source. Bare ground is abundant for ground nesting bees. Although little bluestem and sideoats grama can occur, Choppy Sands are too dry for Dakota skipper larvae.
Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods (as well as prescribed fire) to maintain the Community Phase 1.1A may have long-term positive effects on ground dwelling insects.
Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tallgrass-nesting birds. Fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. In years with reduced precipitation or drought, nesting recruitment may be compromised. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites but does provide quality nesting, brood-rearing, and escape habitat. This site provides good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.
Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, jackrabbits, white-tailed and mule deer, and elk. Tall- to mid- statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores. The Little Missouri River provides a travel corridor from many mammalian species, making Choppy Sands sites quality forage areas for small and large herbivores.
Amphibians and 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 dependent on distance to the Riparian Complex ecological sites. Plain’s spadefoot utilizes small ephemeral ponds or associated stream for breeding, as well as other habitats offered within this Choppy Sands ecological site. Even though silver sagebrush is common on this site, this site may not provide habitat for sagebrush lizards since they prefer rocky areas. This ecological site can provide habitat for the plains hog-nosed snake (prefer sandy soils) and plains spadefoot (prefer gravelly or sandy soils).
Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies found in the Riparian Complex ecological site. However, this site is in close proximity to the Missouri River and management on these interconnected sites may have direct effects on aquatic species.
Community Phase 1.2 Sun Sedge/Sand Dropseed-Needle and Thread/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs:
This plant community phase occurs during periods of below average precipitation with or without heavy grazing. This results in marked increases in sun sedge and sand dropseed with a corresponding decrease in sand bluestem. This plant community has transformed from a mid- to tall-grass (Community Phase 1.1) to a mid- to short-statured herbaceous community.
Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, forb species have increased in number and diversity, providing increased pollen and nectar sources and increased bare ground for ground-nesting insects.
Birds: The reduction of tall- and mid- statured grasses to mid- to short-statured grasses favors grassland nesting birds that prefer short- to medium-vegetative stature.
Mammals: A shift to short- to mid-statured grasses reduces habitat for large ungulates, such as deer and elk.
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 Bare Ground/Sand Dropseed/Pioneer Species:
This plant phase is a result of a Community Phase Pathway 1.2B with a combination of prolonged drought and excess disturbance such as trailing, burrowing, or heavy grazing. Prolonged drought and repeated disturbances increase wind erosion, resulting in a blowout condition. This unstable plant community has large areas of bare soil subjected to extreme wind erosion. Pioneering perennial and annual vegetation dominate the site.
Invertebrates: Bare soil, active wind erosion, and a lack of forb species limits this site use by pollinating species.
Birds: Bare soil, active wind erosion, and a lack of herbaceous cover limits this site use by most bird species.
Mammals: Bare soil, active wind erosion, and a lack of herbaceous cover limits this site use by many mammal species. This plant community phase does not provide any habitat for large mammals and provides limited habitat for small mammals.
Amphibians and Reptiles: As this site dries out with active wind erosion, use by all amphibians and reptiles becomes limited.
Fish and Mussels: Increased wind erosion may add sedimentation to adjacent sites including the Missouri River and associated Riparian Complex ecological sites.
2.0 Native/Invaded State
Community Phase 2.1 Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrasses-Sand Bluestem/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs:
This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1A due to the establishment of exotic cool- season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome. This transition may be exacerbated by chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing and rare to infrequent fire. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Plant Community 1.1. Except for the increase of exotic cool-season grass species, this phase functions at a high level for native wildlife. A wide array of forbs still provides nectar and pollen sources for pollinating species. Managers should consider management within the State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to avoid transitioning to State 3.0. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0.
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 Sun Sedge/Sand Dropseed-Needle and Thread/Silver Sagebrush/Forbs:
Below average precipitation with or without drought, via Community Phase Pathway 2.1A, shifts the competitive advantages to grazing tolerant short-statured grasses, grass-likes, and forbs. Soil temperatures increase with shallower rooted, short-statured blue grama and sedges combined with an increase in bare ground. Forbs often increase in number and diversity.
Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.
Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.
Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.
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 Bare Ground/Sand Dropseed/Pioneer Species:
This plant phase is a result of Community Phase Pathway 2.2B with a combination of prolonged drought and excess disturbance (such as livestock trailing/loafing, off-road vehicle uses, and/or heavy grazing). This unstable plant community has large areas of bare soil (greater than 95%) subjected to wind erosion. Pioneering perennial and annual vegetation dominate the site.
Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.
Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.
Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.
Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.
Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.
3.0 Invaded State
Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs/Shrubs:
Extended periods of moderate to heavy grazing is the main management scenario (via Transition Pathway T2A) from Native/Invaded State 2.0 to Invaded State 3.0. These conditions often lead to the invasion by exotic cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromes, and/or crested wheatgrass). Extended periods of non-use, either through lack of prescribed fire or grazing, can also lead to this state. This community phase is also frequently invaded by leafy spurge, often in combination with Kentucky bluegrass.
Invertebrates: The invasion of crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, other exotic cool-season grasses, and/or leafy spurge reduces or eliminates habitats for all pollinating species of concern within MLRA 58C. Season-long pollen and nectar availability becomes limited on this site. The woody shrub component (silver sagebrush) may provide an early- to mid- season bloom period. Non- use will increase litter, reducing sites for ground nesting pollinators. Overall pollinator plant diversity is low, limiting season-long nectar and pollen production.
Birds: Bird use will vary dependent on degree of use. No use or very light use, and no fire, results in extensive areas of grass litter accumulation. Grassland nesting birds will generally be negatively impacted by leafy spurge and crested wheatgrass. Some species, such as western meadowlark and bobolink, are not significantly impacted and use leafy spurge for nesting while Savanah and grasshopper sparrows successfully nest and fledge young from leafy spurge dominated plant communities. Long-term overgrazing creates shorter structure, limiting use to grassland-nesting favoring short-statured vegetation.
Mammals: The shift from tall herbaceous vegetation dominated cover, as found in States 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 to Kentucky bluegrass and leafy spurge limits its use for foraging and thermal, protective, and escape cover for large herbivores. Litter accumulation favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents. If caused by long-term overgrazing, loss of litter and plant stature reduces or eliminates thermal, protective, and escape cover for most mammals.
Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, excessive grazing will negatively impact the plains hog-nosed snake.
Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Due to low productivity of this site, the increase in exotic cool-season grasses (such as crested wheatgrass) does not create a duff layer significant enough to increase runoff or increased nutrient loading to adjacent ecological sites and waterbodies.
Grazing Interpretations
This site is well adapted to managed grazing by domestic livestock. The predominance of herbaceous plants across all plant community phases best lends these sites to grazing by cattle, but other domestic grazers with differing diet preferences may also be a consideration depending upon management objectives. Often, the current plant community does not match any particular plant community (as described in the ecological site description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. Proper interpretation of this inventory data will permit the establishment of a safe, initial stocking rate for the type and class of animals and level of grazing management. More accurate stocking rate estimates should eventually be calculated using actual stocking rate information and monitoring data.
NRCS defines prescribed grazing as “managing the harvest of vegetation with grazing and/or browsing animals with the intent to achieve specific ecological, economic, and management objectives”. As used in this site description, the term ‘prescribed grazing’ is intended to include multiple grazing management systems (e.g., rotational grazing, twice-over grazing, conservation grazing, targeted grazing, etc.) provided that, whatever management system is implemented, it meets the intent of prescribed grazing definition.
The basic grazing prescription addresses balancing forage demand (quality and quantity) with available forage, varying grazing and deferment periods from year-to-year, matching recovery/deferment periods to growing conditions when pastures are grazed more than once in a growing season, implementation of a contingency (e.g., drought) plan, and a monitoring plan. When the management goal is to facilitate change from one plant community phase or state to another, then the prescription needs to be designed to shift the competitive advantage to favor the native grass and forb species.
Grazing levels are noted within the plant community narratives and pathways in reference to grazing management on adjacent sites. “Degree of utilization” is defined as the proportion of the current years forage production that is consumed and/or destroyed by grazing animals (may refer to a single plant species or a portion or all the vegetation). “Grazing utilization” is classified as slight, moderate, full, close, and severe (see the following table for description of each grazing use category). The following utilization levels are also described in the Ranchers Guide to Grassland Management IV. Utilization levels are determined by using the landscape appearance method as outlined in the Interagency Technical Reference “Utilization Studies and Residual Measurements” 1734-3.
Utilization Level:
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
Water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A. Infiltration varies from rapid to very rapid and runoff potential varies from negligible to very low depending on surface texture and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
The largest acreage of public land available for recreation in the MLRA is owned and managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) within the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota (525,211 acres). These areas are available for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, horse and bike riding, nature viewing, etc. In addition, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages 30,895 acres in North Dakota and Montana with the same recreational opportunities as the USFS lands. North Dakota and Montana Department of Trust Lands (80,220 acres) provide hunting, bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. North Dakota Wildlife Management Areas (3,447 acres) of land managed by the states for wildlife habitat in MLRA 58C.
MLRA 58C is home to the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Park encompasses approximately 70,000 acres and welcomes approximately 900,000 visitors annually. 29,920 acres of the park is designated Wilderness Area. The south unit of the park has a 48-mile scenic drive while the north unit has a 28-mile scenic drive. The Badland and associated ecological sites provide the main scenery attraction.
Bird watching: Public and private grasslands within MLRA 58C provide essential habitat for prairie-dependent bird species (such as Sprague's pipits, western meadowlark, and Baird's sparrow) along with some of the larger, showy members of the upland prairie including marbled godwits, upland sandpipers, and willets. The abundance of publicly owned lands (such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, USFS, North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, BLM, etc.) provide excellent birding opportunities. MLRA 58C is in the Central Flyway.
Hunting/Fishing: MLRA 58C is a fall destination for upland game bird hunters, especially sharp-tailed grouse. This MLRA also provides excellent white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, elk, coyote, and mountain lion hunting opportunities along with the only bighorn sheep hunting units in the North Dakota. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department manages three man-made fishing lakes within the MLRA. Available species include rainbow and brown trout, bluegill, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Camping: Many camping opportunities exist in the MLRA. Modern and primitive camping is available at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Sully’s Creek State Park, Little Missouri State Park, Buffalo Gap Campground, BLM land, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands. The Sully’s Creek and Little Missouri State Parks are designated horse parks.
Hiking/Biking: Over 150 miles of the May-Daah-Hey Trail provide some of the best single-track trails in the world for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has designated the hiking, biking, and horseback riding trail as EPIC - meaning it’s one of the top mountain biking trails in the United States. The trail has nine fenced campgrounds, each accessible by gravel surfaced roads; they include camping spurs, potable water, hitching rails, picnic tables, fire rings, and accessible toilets. They are spaced about every 20 miles along the trail. The North and South Units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park provide 38.9 and 49.6 miles, respectively, of hiking trails for walkers, bikers, or horseback riders. The Little Missouri State Park has 45 miles of trails that run through the North Dakota Badlands.
Canoeing: Traversing 274 miles through MLRA 58C, the Little Missouri River provides early spring canoeing and kayaking. The Little Missouri River is the only designated State Scenic River in the MLRA. The river passes through Sully Creek State Park, the Little Missouri National Grassland, and Theodore Roosevelt National 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.
Other information
Site Development and Testing Plan.
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.
Supporting information
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: David Dewald, Alan Gulsvig, Mark Hayek, Jeanne Heilig, John Kempenich, Chuck Lura, Jeff Printz, and Steve Sieler.
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 4/21/2025
Acknowledgments
NRCS would like to acknowledge the United State Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) for access to USFS and NPS properties and technical assistance in ESD development. USFS: Jack Dahl, Nickole Dahl, Chad Prosser, Jack Butler; NPS: Chad Sexton.
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) | M. Hayek, J. Printz, S. Boltz, R. Kilian, D. Froemke, M. Rasmusson |
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Contact for lead author | NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist |
Date | 11/30/2023 |
Approved by | Suzanne Mayne-Kinney |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills are not expected on this site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns are not visible when slopes are less than 25%. When slopes exceed 25%, scattered water flow patterns may be observed but they are short (3 to 5 feet) and disconnected. No visible soil erosion is associated with these water flow patterns. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Neither pedestals nor terracettes are expected. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground ranges from 20 to 25%. Bare ground patches are small (less than 2 inches in diameter), randomly scattered, and disconnected. Animal activity (burrows and ant mounds) may occasionally result in isolated bare patches of up to 24 inches in diameter. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies are not expected on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Active blowouts should not be present. A few scattered, small (less than 10 feet in diameter) wind-scoured areas with associated downwind depositional areas would be expected. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Plant litter movement is not expected on this site.. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Stability class averages 3 or greater in both plant interspace and under plant canopy. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use soil series description for depth, color, and structure of A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Tall-statured rhizomatous grasses are dominant. Mid- and short-statured bunchgrasses, a diverse forb component, and grass-likes are subdominant and well distributed across the site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layers occur naturally on this site. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Phase 1.1
Tall C4 rhizomatous grasses (2)Sub-dominant:
Phase 1.1
Mid & short C3 bunch grasses (3); Mid & short C4 bunch grasses (3); Forbs (11); Grass-likes (2)Other:
Minor - Phase 1.1
Shrub; Mid & short C3 rhizomatous grassesAdditional:
Due to differences in phenology, root morphology, soil biology relationships, and nutrient cycling Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and crested wheatgrass are included in a new Functional/structural group, mid- and short-statured early cool-season grasses (MSeC3), not expected for this site.
To see a full version 5 rangeland health worksheet with functional/structural group tables, please use the following hyperlink:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/58C_Choppy_Sands_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Rare to not occurring on this site. Some dead or dying plant parts may be observed on warm-season bunchgrasses following multi-year drought. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Plant litter cover is 15 to 35% with a depth of 0.25 to 0.5 inches. Litter is in contact with the soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Annual air-dry production is 1600 lbs./ac (reference value) with normal precipitation and temperatures. Low and high production years should yield 1000 lbs./ac to 2200 lbs./ac, respectively. -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
State and local noxious species, Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, crested wheatgrass, Rocky Mountain juniper/cedar, and creeping juniper. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Noninvasive species in all functional/structural groups are vigorous and capable of reproducing annually under normal weather conditions. Some reduction in plant vigor and reproductive capability may be noted during and immediately following a multi-year drought.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
T1A | - | Introduction of exotic cool-season grasses |
---|---|---|
T2A | - | Extended periods of moderate to heavy grazing |
R3A | - | Long-term prescribed grazing with prescribed burning |
T4A | - | Cessation of annual cropping |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A | - | Below average precipitation with or without heavy grazing |
---|---|---|
1.2A | - | Return to average precipitation with light to moderate grazing |
1.2B | - | Prolonged drought with or without heavy grazing |
1.3A | - | Return to average precipitation with light to moderate grazing |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A | - | Below average precipitation with or without heavy season-long grazing |
---|---|---|
2.1B | - | Extended drought with or without heavy season-long grazing |
2.2A | - | Return to average precipitation with prescribed grazing and prescribed burning |
2.2B | - | Prolonged drought with or without heavy season-long grazing |
2.3A | - | Return to average precipitation with prescribed grazing and prescribed burning |