Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape

The MLRA 55A landscape is characterized by mostly nearly level to gently rolling till plains with some steep slopes adjacent to streams. The MLRA includes areas of kettle holes, kames, and ground moraines. MLRA 55A 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 mid- to tall-grass prairie vegetation with quaking aspen, bur oak, green ash, and willow species growing on the higher elevations in Turtle Mountain, on moraines in proximity of Devils Lake, Pembina River Escarpment and Gorge, and various drainageways throughout the MLRA. Numerous depressional wetlands are ringed with quaking aspen. Complex intermingled ecological sites create diverse grass/shrub land habitats interspersed with varying densities of linear, slope, depressional, and in-stream wetlands associated with headwater streams and tributaries of the Souris and Pembina Rivers. MLRA 55A is located entirely within North Dakota and within the boundaries of the Prairie Pothole Region. The primary land use is cropland. Glacial Lake Souris and the Devils Lake Basin are known for exceptional fertility with major crops including corn, canola, soybeans, and small grains. Together, these two areas make up 73% of the MLRA (Glacial Lake Souris 5500 mi2, 43%; and the Devils Lake Basin 3810 mi2, 30%).

Turtle Mountain (1000 mi2 of which 405 mi2 are found in North Dakota), in the north-central part of the MLRA on the Canadian border, is approximately 1,950 to 2,541 feet (595 to 775 meters) in elevation, rising approximately 600 to 800 feet (150 meters) above the adjacent till plain. Home to an extensive forest of quaking aspen, bur oak, green ash, and willows, it has an understory of beaked hazel with associates of chokecherry, Saskatchewan serviceberry, downy arrowwood, and rose. Turtle Mountain comprises the largest area of quaking aspen forest in North Dakota.

The Pembina Escarpment extends from the Canadian border southeast to Walhalla where the Pembina River enters the floor of the Red River Valley in MLRA 56A. Mainly found on steep slopes along the Pembina River, the Pembina Gorge is in a rugged and sheltered setting with bur oak, green ash, cottonwood, and American elm. Encompassing approximately 12,500 acres, the Pembina Gorge is one of the largest uninterrupted blocks of woodlands in North Dakota. This segment of the Pembina River is the longest segment of unaltered river valley in the North Dakota.

Two major Hydrologic Unit Areas make up this MLRA. 56% of the MLRA drains into the Souris River while 44% drains into the Red River (via the Pembina River) or into Devils Lake (out-letting to Sheyenne River via a pump, pipeline, canal system). The North Dakota portion of the Souris River watershed is in this MLRA. The Souris River basin drains nearly 23,600 square miles and has a long history of flooding.

By the mid-19th century, over 75% of the MLRA had been converted from mid- to tall-grass prairie or woodland to annual crop production. To alleviate crop production loss from wetlands and overland flow, a system of shallow surface ditches, judicial ditches, and road ditches removes surface water in spring and during high rainfall events. Tile drainage systems have been or are being installed extensively throughout MLRA 55A for sub-surface field drainage to enhance annual crop production.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55A:

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

This area supports natural prairie vegetation characterized by western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, needle and thread, and blue grama. Little bluestem is an important species on the more sloping and shallower soils. Prairie cordgrass, northern reedgrass, big bluestem, and wheat sedge are important species on soils with higher water tables. Western snowberry, leadplant, and prairie rose are commonly interspersed throughout the area. Native forests occur in Turtle Mountain, Pembina Gorge, moraines near Devils Lake, woody draws, scattered tracts along the Souris River, and in the sand dunes in west central region of the MLRA.

Over 75% of MLRA 55A has been converted to annual crop production. European influence has impacted remaining grassland, forestland, and shrubland by domestic livestock grazing, elimination of fire, tree harvest, removal of surface and subsurface hydrology via artificial drainage, and other anthropogenic factors influencing plant community composition and abundance.

Hydrological manipulation is extensive throughout the MLRA. Extensive wetland and subsurface tile drainage have taken place. Ephemeral and intermittent streams and the Souris River have been straightened - removing sinuosity, creating isolated oxbows, and converting riparian zones to annual crop production. These anthropogenic impacts have reduced flood water detention and retention on the landscape. The results have been increasing storm water runoff sediment and nutrient loading impacting the Souris and Des Lacs Rivers and their tributaries along with Devils Lake and other lakes within the MLRA. The installation of instream structures has reduced aquatic species movement within the MLRA. Two large dams in Saskatchewan, Canada (Rafferty on the Souris River and Alameda on Moose Mountain Creek, a major tributary to the Souris River) were built, in part, to reduce flood peaks on the Souris River. In addition, three USFWS National Wildlife Refuges were created by building two low-head dams on the Souris River and one on the Des Lacs River in North Dakota. Numerous low-head dams are located on the Souris and Des Lacs Rivers in North Dakota. The Eaton Irrigation Project low-head dam, located in the vicinity of Towner, North Dakota, provides flood irrigation to approximately 6,700 acres of hayland and pastureland.

The loss of the American bison and fire, as primary ecological drivers, greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape. Annual cropping is the main factor contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area-sensitive species. These influences fragmented the landscape, reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire), and introduced exotic species including smooth brome, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge which further impacted plant and animal communities. Included in this MLRA are over 121,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuges and over 77,000 acres of waterfowl production areas owned and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is a 1,674-acre national wildlife refuge sitting on the south shores of Devils Lake, about 10 miles south of the city of Devils Lake. Numerous state-owned parks, state wildlife management areas, North Dakota Forest Service and Department of Trust Lands are found in the MLRA. Wakopa Wildlife Management Area is the largest WMA covering approximately 6,739 acres.

Some characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

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

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

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

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

Insects play an important role providing ecological services for plant community development. Insects that are scavengers or aid in decomposition provide the food chain baseline sustaining the carnivorous insects feeding upon them. Many insects provide the ecological services necessary for pollination, keeping plant communities healthy and productive. Insects provide a protein food source for numerous species including grassland-nesting birds, woodpeckers, and woodland edge and interior species, and their young. Extensive use of insecticides for specialty crops (such as soybeans, corn, and other crops) has greatly reduced insects within this MLRA.

Species of Concern within MLRA 55A:

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

Invertebrates: Dakota skipper, monarch butterfly, and regal fritillary. Within the MLRA, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service lists 5 areas (in Rolette and McHenry Counties) as critical habitat for the Dakota skipper.

Birds: American avocet, American bittern, American kestrel, American white pelican, Baird’s sparrow, bald eagle, black tern, black-billed cuckoo, bobolink, canvasback, chestnut-collared longspur, ferruginous hawk, Franklin’s gull, grasshopper sparrow, horned grebe, LeConte’s sparrow, lesser scaup, loggerhead shrike, marbled godwit, Nelson’s sparrow, northern harrier, northern pintail, piping plover, sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Sprague’s pipit, Swainson’s hawk, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, whooping crane, willet, Wilson’s phalarope, and yellow rail.

Mammals: American martin, Arctic shrew, big brown bat, gray fox, little brown bat, northern long- eared bat, plains pocket mouse, pygmy shrew, Richardson’s ground squirrel, river otter, and Townsend’s big-eared bat.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Canadian toad, common snapping turtle, plains hog-nosed snake, and smooth green snake.

Fish: Finescale dace, hornyhead chub, largescale stoneroller, logperch, northern pearl dace, and trout-perch.

Mussels: Black sandshell, creek heelsplitter, creeper, mapleleaf, and pink heelsplitter.
Grassland and Woodland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA 55A

Management activities within the community phase pathways impact wildlife but are essential for maintenance of healthy grassland ecosystems. Community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways are keys to long-term management within each State and between States. Timing, intensity, and frequency of these inputs can have dramatic positive or negative effects on local wildlife species. Ranchers and other land managers must always consider the long-term beneficial management effects of grassland and woodland resources in comparison to typically short-term negative effects to the habitats of individual species.

Ecological sites occur as intermingled complexes on the landscape with gradual or sometimes abrupt transitions. Rarely do ecological sites exist in large enough acreage to manage independently for wildlife. Conversion to annual cropping and fragmentation due to transportation and electrical transmission corridors and to rural housing are main causes of fragmentation. This MLRA supports ecological sites that are dominated by woody vegetation and can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support tall- to mid-statured grasses (Thin Loamy/Shallow Loamy) or are adjacent to ecological sites that support wetland vegetation (Shallow Marsh and Wet Meadow).

Management of these ecological site complexes challenges managers to properly manage the entire landscape. A management strategy for one ecological site may negatively impact an adjacent site. For example, grazing Upland Hardwood Forest or Loamy Savannah ecological sites along with herbaceous dominated Loamy Overflow ecological sites may degrade one site by under-use, favoring woody vegetation or increasing exotic cool-season grasses.

Life requisites and habitat deficiencies are determined for targeted species. Deficiencies need to be addressed along community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways as presented in specific state-and-transition models. Ecological sites should be managed and restored within the site’s capabilities to provide sustainable habitat for targeted species or species guilds. Managers also need to consider vegetative associations provided by adjacent/intermingled ecological sites for species with home ranges or life requisites that may not be provided by one ecological site. Understanding specific grassland species’ sensitivity to woody encroachment and preferred vegetative structure enables managers to determine which grassland-nesting bird species will avoid grassland habitats adjacent to Upland Hardwood Forest or Loamy Savannah ecological sites or woody dominated, Plant Community Phase 5, Loamy ecological site.

Many passerine species utilize MLRA 55A as a major migratory travel corridor. Grassland species sensitive to woody associations during nesting and brooding may utilize the woodier fragmented sites, such as the Wooded State 5.0 in the Loamy ecological site, during migration.

Grassland-nesting birds use various grass heights for breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat. While most species use varying heights, many have a preferred vegetative stature height or sensitivity to woody vegetation. Understanding the sensitivity of grassland species to woody vegetation and preferred vegetative structure enables managers to determine which grassland-nesting bird species avoid grassland habitats adjacent to Upland Hardwood Forest or Loamy Savannah ecological sites.

The following chart provides sensitivity to woody vegetation and preferred vegetative stature heights. See PDF document for full table to be located at:

https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/state/ND/documents/section=2&folder=52065

Upland Hardwood Forest Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Upland Hardwood Forest ecological sites are located on moraines (Turtle Mountain), escarpments (Pembina Gorge), lake plains, and dissected uplands. No significant water table or surface run-on influences vegetation production on this site. Associated ecological sites include Clayey, Loamy Savannah, Thin Loamy, Shallow Marsh, and Shallow Loamy.

Upland Hardwood Forest habitat features and components support woodland edge and interior birds and other wildlife species dependent upon trees and shrubs to meet their life requisites. These forested sites provide quality loafing, escape, and winter cover for small and large herbivores and quality year-round habitat for American marten, snowshoe hare, elk, moose, and white-tailed deer. These sites provide for many migratory passerines and year-round habitat for ruffed grouse and quality winter cover for eastern screech owl, great horned owl, wild turkey, and non-migrating passerine birds (such as black-capped chickadee and white-breasted nuthatch). Grassland-nesting birds avoid these ecological sites unless converted to herbaceous vegetation. Grassland-nesting birds that commonly avoid woody vegetation will not have their habitat needs met and may avoid adjacent ecological sites dominated by grassland vegetation. A reduction in nesting success by grassland nesting birds on adjacent herbaceous sites is likely due to increases in avian predation and nest parasitism.

Upland Hardwood Forest ecological sites may be found in five plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Mixed Hardwood State, 4.0 Go Back State and 5.0 Grassland state) within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist within State 1.0 and 2.0. Today, these states occur primarily in response to precipitation (extended periods of above normal precipitation and drought), fire, grazing, non-use, 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 Community Phase Pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along the T1A Transitional Pathway to State 2.0 or T1B Transitional Pathway to State 3.0.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Quaking Aspen-Green Ash/Beaked Hazel/Forbs: Dominated by quaking aspen between 20-50 years old, this plant community offers quality woody vegetative cover for wildlife, especially ruffed grouse; every effort should be made, when found, to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. Ecological services, historically provided by fire and large native ungulates, are simulated by mechanical shearing of the quaking aspen forest on a long-term rotational basis. Historically, infrequent stand-replacing fires kept this community within State 1.0. Managers should consider management within the State 1.0 Community Phase Pathways to avoid transitioning to other states, especially if ruffed grouse habitat is the goal.

Invertebrates: Dense overstory of quaking aspen and green ash provide shade with little sunlight reaching flowering plants, such as forbs and shrubs. Pollen and nectar sources are limited; in addition, day-long shade limits use by pollinating insects. However, insects do play a role in maintaining the limited forb community and provide a forage base for woodland birds, reptiles, and rodents. Plant materials and dung in contact with mineral soil are used by lower trophic level consumers (such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal feeders).

Upland Hardwood Forest ecological sites provide habitat for a variety of butterflies. Knutson and Post (1963) and Royer (2003) list several butterfly species associated with Turtle Mountain and found in Bottineau County, ND. Included are Arctic skipper, Hobomok skipper, roadside skipper, black swallowtail, tiger swallowtail, coral hairstreak, Edward’s hairstreak, banded hairstreak, striped hairstreak, great spangled fritillary, Atlantis fritillary, mourning cloak, American painted lady, white admiral, Viceroy, northern pearly eye, and little wood satyr. Forest openings created by shearing, roads, trails, wetland edges, etc. are important areas for sunlight to reach the soil surface for forbs to produce pollen and nectar.

This site does not provide life requisites for any insect listed as “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015) or “species listed as threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act.

Birds: This plant community provides quality woodland edge and interior nesting, foraging, and escape habitats. Once maintained by fire, mechanical treatment is needed to maintain a healthy, early successional forest for bird species such as ruffed grouse. This site provides good hunting opportunities for woodland raptors and owls. Dying or dead trees provide insects for woodpeckers and cavities for cavity-nesting bird species.

Bird species that use and benefit from woodland edge and interior habitat include American crow, American goldfinch, American kestrel, American redstart, black-billed cuckoos, black- capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, blue jay, brown-headed cowbird, brown thrasher, eastern bluebird, eastern and western kingbird, eastern screech-owl, gray catbird, great horned owl, house wren, black-billed magpie, mourning dove, northern flicker, oven bird, red-eyed vireo, red-headed woodpecker red-tailed hawk, scarlet tanager, sharp- shinned hawk, wild turkey, yellow warbler and other species benefiting from interior woodland habitat.

Ruffed Grouse Habitat Management within State 1.0 - optimum habitat for ruffed grouse includes stands of quaking aspen of different age classes and should include young, dense sapling stands for brood cover. Mature quaking aspen with an understory of beaked hazel and other shrubs and forbs provide cover and food during the summer and fall with some fruit hanging on through spring period. Older quaking aspen provide catkins used for winter food.

Ruffed grouse utilize a home range of around 40 acres with male territories of 6-10 acres. Because of the variable aspects to habitat and size of ruffed grouse home range, quaking aspen management for optimum ruffed grouse habitat generally involves small clearcuts of 2-10-acre blocks in a grid or checkerboard arrangement at 10-year intervals, with each intersection supporting four different age classes of quaking aspen.

An effective technique for regenerating quaking aspen for improved wildlife habitat, particularly ruffed grouse, is to shear trees at ground level with a bulldozer during the winter when ground is frozen. Downed trees can be left in situ or windrowed. Each option has pros and cons. Windrowed downed trees will provide increased sprouts but will take long to decay and provide predator denning sites. Downed trees will decay quicker and not provide predator denning sites. If the quaking aspen has not become decadent and lost the ability to sprout, a strong sprouting response generally occurs with either method. Over time, the stand will self-thin.

Leaving 1-2 logs at least six feet long and eight inches in diameter on the forest floor is also suggested for ruffed grouse drumming sites. Preferably, these logs should be left near a large standing “guard tree”. Leaving a buffer of standing mature trees on the margins of marshes is also suggested, as is leaving a few scattered mature trees (standing, dead, or dying) for use by other wildlife.

Mammals: This early successional habitat provides high nutrition levels and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, snowshoe hare, moose, white-tailed deer, and elk.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site provides foraging opportunities for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad and, within Turtle Mountain, the wood frog and boreal chorus frog (since this site is frequently found in proximity to Wet Meadow and Shallow Marsh ecological sites).

Fish and Mussels: This site is on a run-off landscape position. It typically does not receive run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites but provides hydrology to Wet Meadow and

Shallow Marsh ecological sites. Management on Upland Hardwood Forest sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-off sites, will have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Upland Hardwood Forest 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 Quaking Aspen: This plant community phase occurs after a stand- replacing fire or mechanical treatment that removes mature quaking aspen allowing for regeneration of the quaking aspen forest. Green ash has typically been removed from the forest; quaking aspen saplings less than 20 years old dominate that site.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, forest management (fire, shearing) opens the forest canopy which decreases shade and provides increased forbs during the regeneration period.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the loss of green ash and old quaking aspen reduces nesting site availability for cavity nesting birds.

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 1.3 Quaking Aspen-Green Ash-Bur Oak/Shrubs/Wild Sarsaparilla/ Sprengle’s Sedge: Prolonged periods of no stand-replacing fire or mechanical treatment allows this plant community phase to be dominated by quaking aspen greater than 50 years old with green ash, bur oak, boxelder, and paper birch becoming a major tree component. Shrubs (such as chokecherry, Saskatchewan serviceberry, and highbush cranberry) dominate the understory as canopy cover decreases which allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, a decrease in shade allows an increase in flowering shrubs providing pollen and nectar sources for pollinating insects.

Birds: Older trees provide cavity nesting sites for forest birds; increases in mast producing trees provide food for wild turkey, blue jays, and woodpeckers; berry producing shrubs provide food from late summer to early winter; increases in flowering shrubs provide insect populations for birds and their young. Ruffed grouse use diminishes with the need for quaking aspen management regeneration.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, hollow tree cavities provide denning and resting sites for American martens. Dead and mature trees provide cavities and loose bark for big brown bat, northern long-eared bat, and Townsend’s big-eared bat.

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Quaking Aspen-Green Ash/Beaked Hazel/Forbs: Except for the invasion of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs, this plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to Plant Community 1.1 for invertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and fish and mussels. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0 from State 2.0.

Community Phase 2.2 Quaking Aspen: Except for the invasion of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs, this plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to Plant Community 1.2 for invertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and fish and mussels.

Community Phase 2.3 Quaking Aspen-Green Ash-Bur Oak/Shrubs/Wild Sarsaparilla/Sedges: Except for the invasion of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs, this plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to Plant Community 1.3 for invertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and fish and mussels.

Community Phase 2.4 Quaking Aspen-Green Ash-Bur Oak/Beaked Hazel/Wild Sarsaparilla/Sedges: This plant community develops through Community Pathway 2.1C, due to introduction of grazing livestock. The transition to an open canopy forest allows for beaked hazel, wild sarsaparilla, and Sprengle’s sedge to dominate the herbaceous component. A sufficient population of quaking aspen exist to regenerate this site. However, grazing livestock readily consume quaking aspen which does not allow sapling production and facilitates the invasion of cool-season exotic grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3. Grazing reduces soil cover, increasing potential for ground nesting bee and other insect species.

Birds: The introduction of grazing livestock impacts shrub density reducing the forest “layering effect”, losing or reducing the opportunity for bird species that require different layers of forest habitat.

Mammals: The introduction of grazing livestock impacts shrub density reducing the forest “layering effect”, losing or reducing the opportunity for mammal species that require different shrub layer within forest habitat for their life requisites.

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 2.5 Open Canopy Quaking Aspen/Beaked Hazel/Exotic Forbs/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Continuous, season long or heavy grazing by domestic livestock grazing leads to the decline in vigor and increased mortality of forest canopy species.
Decadent stands of quaking aspen prevail with beaked hazel, invasive forbs, and cool- season exotic grasses dominating the understory. Significant livestock trailing, bedding, and soil compaction occurs within this community phase.

Invertebrates: Pollen and nectar producing species are limited to exotic forbs and beaked hazel with limited pollen produced from quaking aspen. Butterfly numbers and species diversity are dramatically reduced while fly populations associated with livestock production increase. Increased livestock dung increases fly and beetle production.

Birds: This site mainly will be used by woodland edge bird species (such as American robin, house sparrow, brown-headed cowbird, etc.). Extensive livestock grazing will reduce forest canopy, limiting use by forest interior nesting birds but will not open-up the canopy for use by grassland nesting birds. Use by ruffed grouse is limited with the need for quaking aspen management regeneration and livestock grazing management.

Mammals: This site provides limited cover for both small and large mammals. Extensive grazing limits tree regeneration, opening-up the forest canopy for invasion of cool-season exotic grass and exotic forbs. Dependent upon the degree of grazing, limited small mammal habitat may be available. Winter thermal cover is limited for large ungulates.

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

Fish and Mussels: Soil compaction and trailing increases bare soil and weakens tree roots leading to increased runoff and erosion. Nutrient and sediment loading increase to adjacent waterbodies.

3.0 Mixed Hardwood State

Community Phase 3.1 Green Ash-Bur Oak-Boxelder/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: The mixed hardwood state is caused by the removal of natural disturbances (e.g.,100+ years), such as fire (via Transitional Pathway T1B). If clear-cutting quaking aspen does not replace natural fire events, the site becomes dominated by shade-tolerant tree species (such as green ash and bur oak along with paper birch, and boxelder). This plant community phase has a sparse understory of chokecherry, pin cherry, Saskatoon serviceberry, highbush cranberry, and beaked hazel. Heavy shade depresses grasses and forbs.

Invertebrates: Dense forest canopy creates a sparse understory of flowering shrubs and forbs. Pollinator plant diversity and vigor is low, limiting season-long nectar and pollen production.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

Mammals: This plant community phase provides high nutrition levels and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, snowshoe hare, moose, white-tailed deer, and elk. Shrubs will provide increased year-round cover for large mammals, such as white-tailed deer. Mammals, such as porcupines, preferring woody habitat will use this site. Hollow tree cavities provide denning and resting sites for American martens. Dead and mature trees provide cavities and loose bark for big brown bat, northern long-eared bat, and Townsend’s big-eared bat.

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

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

4.0 Grassland State

Community Phase 4.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses-Native Grasses/Exotic Legumes/Native Forbs: Successful restoration of native or tame grassland species, along Restoration Pathway R4C, results in a herbaceous grass and forb community in State 5.0. Dependent on distance to existing forested areas, tree and shrub seedlings may be abundant. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon the success of the planted grasses and forbs, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed burning, inter-seeding, haying, grazing, and/or noxious weed control).

5.0 Go Back State

Community Phase 5.1 Annual/Pioneer-Perennial/Exotic Herbaceous Plants/Shrubs: Usually occurring from abandoned cropland, hayland, or other disturbance, this plant community phase can have a variety of herbaceous and shrub species. Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Dependent on distance to existing forested areas, tree and shrub seedlings may be abundant. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing insect presence. Tall vegetative stature provided by weeds, such as marsh elder and ragweed, offer thermal cover and seeds throughout winter.

Successful restoration along Restoration Pathway R4B results in a native tree and shrub community in State 3.0. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon the success of the planted native tree and shrub plant community, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed burning, inter-planting of trees and shrubs, or noxious weed control). Removal of any disturbance along Restoration Pathway R4A will result in Native/Invaded state 2.0; species composition will be dependent upon proximity and species composition of the adjacent plant community.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations

The Upland Hardwood Forest ecological site is characterized by Alfisol soils which formed under forested conditions. Historic disturbance regime would have included infrequent fires, minimal grazing by native herbivores, and occasional drought. Herbage/forage production is limited by low sunlight levels due to the closed forest canopy.

By contrast, rangeland ecological sites are characterized by Mollisol soils which developed under grasslands. The historic disturbance regime would have included frequent fires, recurrent grazing by numerous herbivores and insects (e.g., grasshoppers), and sporadic droughts of varying intensity and duration.

Forested sites respond to grazing differently than rangeland sites due to differing historic disturbance regimes. Forested sites are not as resistant or resilient to grazing disturbances as rangeland sites, whereas managed grazing is necessary for maintaining or restoring the health of rangeland sites.

Present knowledge and technology do not support the application of grazing to forested sites without the potential for resource degradation (e.g., reduced tree/shrub regeneration, introduction of noxious and invasive species, soil compaction, altered forest structure, potential loss of plant and animal species diversity).

Various efforts to adapt these sites to livestock grazing have been explored. For example, to increase forage production, 100 feet along the pasture perimeter fence is cleared; not only does this clearing increase forage production this also helps to reduce fence maintenance. Once cleared, the area may be seeded (grasses/legumes) or simply allowed to grow back. Depending upon vegetation and pasture size, this perimeter clearing may produce a major portion of the forage for livestock. Long- term maintenance will be required to maintain forage production in these areas, e.g., brush control (chemical and/or mechanical). In addition, the invasion of these cleared areas by exotic grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or smooth brome, can be expected. These clearings will be colonized by noxious weeds (such as Canada thistle, absinth wormwood, hound’s tongue, and leafy spurge). As a result, weed control efforts will be necessary and ongoing.

Hydrological functions

Available water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A and C. Infiltration varies from moderately slow to very rapid; runoff potential varies from low to high depending upon surface texture, slope percent and slope shape. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Recreational uses

Hunting and Bird Watching: Over 113,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuges and over 77,000 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas owned and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are available for public hunting and bird watching. In addition, over 22,000 acres of North Dakota Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), approximately 8,000 acres of North Dakota Forest Service, and thousands of acres of Department of Trust Lands are scattered throughout the central and western portions of the MLRA; these areas are available for hunting and bird watching. MLRA 55A provides a unique ruffed grouse hunting opportunity in North Dakota on wildlife management areas managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and forest service lands managed by North Dakota Forest Service within the Turtle Mountain.

Camping: Three state parks are located within the MLRA including Lake Metigoshe State Park (Turtle Mt.), Grahams Island State Park (Devils Lake), and the newly designated Pembina Gorge State Park (formerly Pembina Gorge Recreation Area). These Parks provide hiking, biking, birding, canoeing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many local parks and private parks provide modern and primitive camping opportunities. The approximately 8,000 acres of North Dakota Forest Service provides primitive camping (no electric or water hookups) as well as fishing and canoeing access at various lakes. These forests and lakes provide access to swimming beaches, picnicking, and an extensive trail system open to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing (not groomed). Limited primitive camping is also available on North Dakota Game and Fish Department Wildlife Management Areas.

Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding: Hiking is permitted on most state and federally owned lands. Developed hiking and biking trails can be found on North Dakota Forest Service lands (18.6 miles), Upper Souris NWR (4.25 miles), Des Lacs NWR (8.5 miles), J. Clark NWR (3.3 miles), White Horse Hill National Game Preserve (3.6 miles), Lake Metigoshe State Park (16 miles), and Grahams Island State Park (2.1 miles; 3 miles cross country skiing). In addition, extensive biking and walking trails are found in local county and city parks. The Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area (ND Forest Service) is located six miles northwest of Bottineau. This recreation area has over 12 miles of trails open to hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and OHV’s.

The Pembina Gorge State Park encompasses over 2,800 acres of public land in the Pembina River Gorge. Steep valley cliffs towering over small, isolated prairies and pocketed wetlands surrounded by the largest continuous, undisturbed forest in North Dakota provide opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife observing, birding, and downhill and cross- country skiing. Thirty miles of trails provide snowmobiling, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicles (OHV) opportunities.

Canoeing/Kayaking: Designated canoe and kayaking trails are available within the MLRA. J. Clark Sayler NWR has 12.75 miles of designated trails on the Souris River and Pembina Gorge State Park has 14.25 miles on the Pembina River. The Pembina Gorge State Park offers kayak rentals along with kayak transportation. Lake Metigoshe State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals along with standup paddleboards, pontoons, cross country skis, snowshoes, etc.

Downhill Skiing: Downhill skiing is available at Bottineau Winter Park within Turtle Mountain and Frost Fire Park at the Pembina Gorge. Full-service rental shops are available along with alpine trails ranging from beginner to expert. Conveyor lifts on the beginner hills to chairlifts are available for skiers.

International Peace Garden: The only peace garden located on the United States/Canada border, the International Peace Garden is a 2,339-acre botanical garden commemorating peace between the United States and Canada along the world’s longest unfortified border. It blooms with more than 155,000 flowers and showcases the Peace Chapel, Peace Towers, and Floral Clock. The North American Game Wardens Museum if also located within the boundaries of the International Peace Garden.

Wood products

Timber Harvesting: Several small commercial sawmills have operated in the area in the past, and limited harvesting of timber for personal use may occur (e.g. fence posts, firewood). However, at the present time commercial timber harvesting is generally considered to be uneconomical. Commercial harvesting of quaking aspen has not been economically viable largely due to heart rot (e.g. Phellinus igniarius) and distance to commercial sawmills.

Other products

Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.

Other information

• Additional documentation from areas of this site in the Pembina Escarpment and Pembina River Gorge would be useful to confirm that all plant community states, phases, and transition pathways are adequately represented. All the required Tier 3 data has been collected in the Turtle Mountains. MLRA map units in this area are:
 Kelvin loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (map unit 2q3x1)
 Suomi, moist-Kelvin complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes (map unit 2q4g5)
 Olga silty clay loam, 9 to 15 percent slopes (map unit 2q5db)
 Olga silty clay loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q5d6)
 Olga-Kloten complex, 9 to 75 percent slopes (map unit 2q5d7)
 Rolette clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (map unit 2q56b)
 Rolette clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes (map unit 2q56c)
 Rolette silty clay loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes (map unit 2q56d)
• Further investigation may be needed on the Metigoshe soils (coarse-loamy Alfic Argiudolls) which have been included in the Upland Hardwood Forest site. They are of limited extent (Turtle Mountain area only) and commonly are small delineations. A few delineations have been investigated and no significant vegetation differences from Upland Hardwood Forest were identified. However, some delineations are also associated with Bottineau soils (Loamy Savannah ESD) on the outer perimeter of Turtle Mountain. These have not been field investigated. MLRA map units to investigate are:
 Metigoshe coarse sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes (map unit 2q4vb)
 Metigoshe coarse sandy loam, 9 to 25 percent slopes (map unit 2q4vc)
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model may be needed to identify disturbance driven dynamics. Additional states and/or phases may be required to address grazing response.
• Site concepts will be refined as above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.
This ESD is the best available knowledge. The site concept and species composition table have been used in the field and tested for more than five years. It is expected that as additional information becomes available revisions may be required.

Inventory data references

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

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Contributors

David Dewald
Steve Seiler
Hal Weiser
Alan Gulsvig
Mark Hayek
Jeff Printz
Jonathan Fettig
Chuck Lura

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/08/2025

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge Shawn Krance, Jason Sieler, Dustin Brodina, and Jody Forman for their help with data collection (ND NRCS), Henry “Chick” LaRocque NRCS tribal liaison for securing access to Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa tribal lands, and Ernie Azure and Ron Davis (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) for assistance with data collection and land-use history.

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