Physiographic features

The Saline Lowland sites are on low-lying terraces, drainageways, and bottom lands along streams. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

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.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

• (1) WATFORD CITY 14S [USC00329246], Grassy Butte, ND

• (2) TROTTERS 3 SSE [USC00328812], Beach, ND

• (3) MEDORA 7 E [USW00094080], Fairfield, ND

• (4) CARLYLE 13 NW [USC00241518], Wibaux, MT

• (5) AMIDON [USC00320209], Amidon, ND

Influencing water features

A seasonal water table, typically, is within a depth of 18 inches during the months of April through June; in some soils. In some soils, the water table may continue at this depth into mid-summer while in other soils, it may drop to 40 inches or deeper in mid to late summer. The water table and (on most soils) flooding have some influence on the kinds and amounts of vegetation on this site. However, the benefit of this influence is significantly diminished by the degree soil salinity. Surface infiltration is moderate or moderately slow. Permeability through the profile is very slow to moderately slow. Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration.

Wetland description

Stream Type: DA6 (Rosgen System) on riparian systems.

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

Soil features

Soils associated with the Saline Lowland ES are in the Mollisol and Entisol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Typic Endoaquolls and Typic Natraquolls. The Entisols are classified further as Typic Fluvaquents. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. They formed in alluvium from sedimentary uplands deposited in drainageways, on stream floodplains, or on low-lying flats. The parent materials vary from coarse-loamy to clayey. The soils on this site are very deep. They are poorly drained; redoximorphic features are within a depth of 18 inches.

The common feature of soils in this site is moderate or strong salinity (E.C. >8 dS/m); many soils also have a dense, sodic, root-restrictive claypan. The high concentration of salts and sodium (where present) affects both the kind and amount of vegetation present. Generally, a seasonal high-water table is at or near the surface during the spring and early summer months. The surface layer ranges from 2 to 6 inches thick. Texture of the surface layer is typically loam, but silt loam and fine sandy loam also occur. Commonly, the subsoil is clay loam; however, textures vary from fine sandy loam to clay. The subsoil commonly has a dense, sodic, root-limiting upper layer. However, moderately, or strongly saline soils without the dense subsoil are included in this site. The soils in this site are commonly calcareous at or near the surface. The excessive salts and sodium affect other soil properties (such as available water capacity, soil structure, infiltration, and permeability). Soils in this site generally have low to moderate organic matter content.

Eroded areas with high amounts of salt and sodium at the surface are barren of vegetation. These areas are typical of this site and are intermingled with areas of vegetation.

Chemical and physical crusts on the soil surface are common. Cryptogamic crusts occasionally occur on the soil surface. Typically, the interpretive plant community will have good cover of perennial grasses with areas of bare ground and salt crusts. These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on areas that are denuded of vegetation. Stream channels are intact with occasional water pockets scattered throughout. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include Harriet, Dogiecreek, and Floweree (strongly saline phase).
Access Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx) for specific local soils information.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

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_Saline_Lowland_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Saline Lowland Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Saline Lowland ecological sites predominantly poorly drained; soluble salts are present within the rooting zone (typically at the surface) and significantly impact the plant community. The surface can become nearly barren due to the presence of salts. In some soils, subsurface soil layers may be restrictive to water movement and root penetration. Associated ecological sites commonly include Clayey, Claypan, Thin Claypan, and Wet Meadow. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive, grassland bird species preferring short- to tall-statured vegetation, dependent upon plant community.

Saline Lowland habitat features and components commonly support grassland-nesting birds that prefer short- to medium stature vegetation. Shore birds will use this site since during periods of the year it will contain standing and/or flowing water. Low diversity and density of forb species provide limited pollen and nectar resources for pollinating insects. In turn, invertebrate production is low, providing limited protein resources for grassland-nesting birds. Saline Lowland ecological sites provide forage for small and large herbivores.

Saline Lowland ecological sites may be found in four plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, and 4.0 Go-Back 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 drought, fire, grazing, and 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 Community Phase Pathways in State 1.0 to prevent further plant community degradation along the T1 Transitional Pathway to State 2.0. Native wildlife generally benefits from the heterogeneous grasslands found in State 1.0 that include grass and forb species of varying stature and density. As plant communities degrade and transition to State 2.0, foxtail barley increases while native forbs are reduced.

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

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Wheatgrasses-Cordgrasses-Nuttall’s Alkaligrass:
This plant community offers quality vegetative cover for wildlife; if found, every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period, as well as prescribed fire. Prescribed fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. Predominance of grass species in these communities favors grazers and mixed-feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

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

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

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to salinity and wetness along with limited host plants, such as little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to salinity, wetness, the short stature of this plant community, and uncommon Nuttall’s and prairie violets. Monarch butterflies may use limited flowering forbs on this site; however, no milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Overall nectar and pollen availability are limited due to low forb diversity due the combination of salinity and wetness. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize limited forbs as a nectar source. Although bare ground is common, wetness and salinity will limit nesting.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tallgrass-nesting birds. Dependent upon ponded water levels, this plant community may provide habitat for species preferring wetter (hydric) habitats (such as Nelson’s sparrow, northern harrier, sedge wren, yellow rail, Wilson’s phalarope, Wilson’s snipe, etc.). This site may provide waterfowl pair bonding sites, early season invertebrate food sources, and early season shorebird habitat if semi-permanent or permanent water is nearby. The rapid warming during spring snowmelt provides water birds an abundant invertebrate protein source for egg laying. Prescribed burning maintains a grass-dominated plant community, providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites or nesting habitat. However, it does provide winter cover, escape habitat, and brood-rearing habitat (depending on water levels). This site provides good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors, especially northern harrier.

Mammals: Limited diversity of grasses and forbs provide reduced nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, jackrabbits, and white-tailed deer. During periods of ponding or runoff, this site provides a water source for many mammals. This plant community has less diversity and shorter plant stature compared to associated sites such as Clayey, Claypan, Thin Claypan, and Wet Meadow. Mid- to short-statured vegetation, wetness, and salinity provides limited thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Due to potential high salinity levels and wetness, these ecological sites do not provide suitable habitat for many amphibians and reptiles except during periods of above normal precipitation, reducing the effects of high salinity levels. Ponded water during above average precipitation events will provide foraging habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad - depending upon salinity levels. Ponded water may not be deep enough to provide breeding habitat.

Fish and Mussels: These ecological sites can be located adjacent to streams, rivers, or water bodies. These sites receive run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provide hydrology to Wet Meadow or Shallow Marsh ecological sites. Management on Saline Lowland sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, can have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Saline Lowland and adjacent sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the adjacent aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass:
Long-term drought (with or without heavy, long-term grazing) with lack of recovery periods gives foxtail barley and other salt tolerant grasses a competitive edge. This plant community is adapted to increased salinity and is relatively stable. Every effort should be made to manage this plant community via Community Pathway 1.2A (prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods) to move back to Plant Community Phase 1.1. Improper management (such as heavy continuous season-long grazing) will transition this plant community to State 2.0, increasing abundance of foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and bare ground. Structural diversity and density reduce habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, heavy continuous grazing with lack of recovery periods further reduces density and diversity of pollinating forb species.

Birds: Heavy continuous grazing with lack of recovery periods gives foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and other salt tolerant grasses a competitive edge reducing density and stature of grasses. Grassland nesting birds, favoring short statured structure, may use this plant community. Dependent upon water depth and duration, this plant community may be attractive to various shorebirds.

Mammals: This site is no longer favored by large herbivores and provides limited life requisites for small herbivores.

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

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

Community Phase 1.3 Bare Ground/Foxtail Barley/Forbs:
This plant community phase is characterized by bare ground and grazing-tolerant annual forbs. Long-term inundation, with or without heavy long-term grazing, will shift to increased bare ground and annual forbs with a reduction in perennial grasses. Moderate perennial forb stature and abundance are being replaced by short-statured annual forbs. Bare ground increases while litter amounts and infiltration rates decline; soil surface temperatures increase.This plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing sensitive native plant species to return to the 1.1 community phase (via Community Phase Pathway 1.3A).

Invertebrates: A switch to mainly wind-pollinated forbs will have a significant impact to invertebrates due to the reduction of season-long nectar and pollen. Season-long nectar sources may be found on adjacent plant communities or ecological sites for mobile species. Increased bare ground provides increased nesting sites for bumble bees and other ground-nesting insects but due to wetness and salinity will not provide quality nesting sites.

Birds: Bare ground coupled with salinity will not provide adequate habitat for grassland nesting birds. Shorebird use is limited to times of inundation.

Mammals: Bare ground and the loss of grasses provides limited food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover for most mammals.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisite benefits as Community Phase 1.1; however, increased bare ground will yield additional sediment to nearby water bodies.

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Wheatgrasses-Cordgrasses-Nuttall’s Alkaligrass:
Introduction and establishment of exotic cool-season grasses exacerbated by chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing without adequate recovery periods (along Transition Pathway T1) causes native forbs to decrease in production, abundance, diversity, and richness. Bare ground has increased due to the presence of alkaligrass.

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 Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass:
Long-term drought (with or without heavy, long-term grazing) results in a marked decline in cordgrass and corresponding increases in foxtail barley and saltgrass.

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 1.2.

Community Phase 2.3 Bare Ground/Foxtail Barley/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs:
This plant community phase is characterized by bare ground and grazing-tolerant annual forbs. Prolonged drought, with or without heavy long-term grazing, will shift to increased bare ground and annual forbs with a reduction in perennial grasses. This plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing-sensitive native plant species to return to the 2.1 or 2.2 community phase (via Community Phase Pathway 2.3A and 2.3B respectively).

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 1.1.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisite benefits as Community Phase 1.3.

3.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 3.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance (such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity for a prolonged period). Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial salt-tolerant plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

Successful restoration of native species along Transitional Pathway R3A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Over time, with no management, foxtail barely or exotic cool- season perennial grasses (Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth brome) generally become re- established and dominate the community. A failed native range planting will likely maintain this plant community in State 3.0 Go-Back.

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

Plant available water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. As soil salinity increases, plant available water decreases. Under unaltered hydrologic conditions, the site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is moderately rapid to slow; runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to high depending on soil surface texture, soil permeability, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff. (Refer to NRCS Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4) 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.

Further evaluation may be needed to determine if an Invaded State may exist. Salinity levels may allow for Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or crested wheatgrass to invade this site to meet invaded state threshold. This ESD is the best available knowledge. The site concept and species composition table have been used in the field and tested for more than five years. It is expected that as additional information becomes available revisions may be required.

Inventory data references

Information presented here has been derived from NRCS and other federal/state agency clipping and inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. All descriptions were peer reviewed and/or field-tested by various private, state, and federal agency specialists.

Other references

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Contributors

Chris Tecklenburg
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.