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 MLRA 55A. 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 south of Devils Lake, Pembina River 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 America), 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 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 south of 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 the 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 further impacting 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, 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 Savanna 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 Savanna 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 Savanna ecological sites. The following chart provides sensitivity to woody vegetation and preferred vegetative stature heights.

To view the chart, please click on the hyperlink:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/55A_Sodic_Subirrigated_Narrative_FIANL.pdf

Sodic Subirrigated Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Sodic Subirrigated ecological sites have parent material that is very deep; however, a root- restrictive, dense, sodic claypan subsoil is within a depth of 13 inches. The claypan layer restricts root growth. Commonly, there is a mosaic of vegetation caused by variable depths to the claypan layer (and associated SAR and pH values). The vegetation mosaic consists of tall statured vegetation (bluestems, Indiangrass, switchgrass) in association with sodic tolerant, short statured vegetation (foxtail barley, saltgrass, and bare ground). Wildlife species response will be dependent on the amount of each type of vegetation within the mosaic. Associated ecological sites commonly include Saline Lowland, Sandy Claypan, Limy Subirrigated, Shallow Marsh, and Wet Meadow. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive, grassland bird species preferring short-, medium- and tall-statured vegetation.

Sodic Subirrigated habitat features and components commonly support grassland-nesting birds that prefer varied statured vegetation. Tall-statured and short-statured vegetation occurs in a mosaic creating a patchy landscape. Depending on the patch size of the varied statured vegetation grassland nesting birds will respond differently. 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. Sodic Subirrigated ecological sites provide forage for small and large herbivores.

Sodic Subirrigated ecological sites may be found in five plant community states (1.0 Mosaic Reference State, 2.0 Thick-Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Thin-Native/Invaded State, 4.0 Thick-Invaded State, and 5.0 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, 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 T1A and T1B Transitional Pathways to State 2.0 and State 3.0. Native wildlife generally benefits from the heterogeneous grasslands found in States 1.0 and 2.0 that include grass and forb species of varying stature and density. As plant communities degrade and transition to State 4.0, exotic cool-season grass increase 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.

1.1 Thick-Reference State

Community Phase 1.11 Bluestems-Indiangrass-Switchgrass: This plant community offers tall statured vegetative wildlife habitat and occurs in a mosaic with short statured vegetation. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period, as well as prescribed burning. Predominance of grass species in this community favors grazers and mixed-feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

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

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to limited host plants (such as woody lily, harebell, and smooth camas). Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to Nuttall's violet and prairie violets being uncommon. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs on this site; however, few milkweed species are found on this site to support breeding and larvae development. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs for nectar and pollen; however, bare ground for nesting species is limited due to a predominance of sod- forming grasses. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, as well as prescribed burning, to maintain the 1.11 phase will have long-term positive effects on ground dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tall- grass nesting birds. Grassland birds preferring mid- to tall-grass structure will use this site. In years with reduced precipitation or drought, nesting recruitment may be compromised. This plant community provides suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse nesting, brood-rearing, and winter habitat. Limited structure and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunity for grassland raptors. Many passerine species utilize MLRA 55A as a major migratory travel corridor. The low scattered shrubs present in the plant community phase should not impact woody vegetation sensitive bird species.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, and white-tailed deer. Mid- to tall-stature vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

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

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. It receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and may provide hydrology to other ecological sites lower on the landscape. Management on this site, in conjunction with nearby run-on sites, can have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Sodic Subirrigated sites and nearby sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to any nearby aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.11.

Community Phase 1.12 Switchgrass-Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass: Heavy grazing pressure, with or without drought, results in marked decreases in big bluestem and Indiangrass along with corresponding increases in wheatgrass, foxtail barley, and saltgrass.

Invertebrates: A decrease in forb diversity and heavy grazing reduces available nectar and pollen. In addition, heavy grazing may increase compaction, further reducing ground nesting bee habitat.

Birds: Heavy grazing, coupled with drought, reduces vegetive stature favoring grassland nesting birds preferring mid- to short statured vegetation. Winter cover for resident bird species, such as sharp- tailed grouse, is somewhat compromised due to the increase in western wheatgrass and saltgrass and heavy grazing.

Mammals: Shorter statured vegetation and heavy grazing creates shorter statured vegetation, reducing cover for large mammals such as white-tailed deer.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

1.2 Thin-Reference State

1.21 Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass/Bare Ground: Overall plant diversity is low, and the forb component is inherently limited on this ecological site limiting use by many wildlife species. However, since this plant community if found within a mosaic with mid- to tall-statured vegetation, life requisites may be found in an adjacent plant community within the same ecological site. 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 migratory and resident bird species that prefer short structure and bare ground.

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 mirrored 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 shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders).

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to limited host plants (such as woody lily, harebell, and smooth camas). Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to short stature of this plant community and Nuttall’s and prairie violets are uncommon. Limited forb resources are available for all pollinator species and sodic soils may limit ground nesting bees even though bare ground is available. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods (as well as prescribed burning) to maintain the Community Phase 1.1 will have long-term positive effects on ground dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short- to mid- grass nesting birds that can also tolerate areas of bare ground. Plant structure is generally short for bird species using short-grass habitats; however, this plant community occurs in a mosaic with mid- to tall- statured vegetation providing various vegetative stature for grassland nesting birds. The mosaic of short- and tall-statured vegetation provides diverse prey populations and hunting opportunity for grassland raptors.

Mammals: This plant community lacks cover for large ungulates and the amount of bare ground may limit small herbivore use. However, this plant community occurs in a mosaic with mid- to tall-statured vegetation providing various vegetative stature for large and small mammals. squirrels.

Amphibians/Reptiles: This ecological site and associated plant communities provides habitat for smooth green snakes. This ecological site does not usually provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Great Plains toad since it is not located adjacent to or near freshwater habitat (such as wetlands, streams, or lakes).

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. It receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and may provide hydrology to other ecological sites lower on the landscape. Management on this site, in conjunction with nearby run-on sites, can have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Sodic Subirrigated sites and nearby sites.

1.22 Slickspot/Annual/Pioneer Perennial: Heavy grazing, with or without drought removes the majority of perennial vegetation and the site becomes dominated by annual, pioneering vegetation. The lack of perennial cover and dramatic increase in bare ground (slickspot) limits use by all wildlife species. However, found in a mosaic with Community Phase 1.12: Switchgrass-Wheatgrass-Foxtail Barley- Saltgrass, wildlife habitats are found in a mosaic across the ecological site.

2.0 Thick-Native/Invaded State

2.1 Bluestems-Indiangrass-Switchgrass/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1A due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool- season grasses and a decline in native warm-season and cool-season grasses; it may have been exacerbated by chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing or long-term annual haying. 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, quackgrass, or other exotic species became established on the site. The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.11 except it has a minor amount of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs. This phase still functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to the Invaded State 4.0. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0 from State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11. Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11

2.2 Little Bluestem-Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass/Forbs: Heavy grazing pressure, with or without drought, via Community Pathway 2.1A, increases grazing tolerant grasses such as western wheatgrass, little bluestem, foxtail barley, and saltgrass. The result is a shorter statured vegetative community.

Invertebrates: A decrease in forb diversity and heavy grazing reduces available nectar and pollen. In addition, heavy grazing may increase compaction, further reducing ground nesting bee habitat.

Birds: Heavy grazing, coupled with drought, reduces vegetive stature favoring grassland nesting birds preferring mid- to short statured vegetation. Winter cover for resident bird species, such as sharp- tailed grouse, is somewhat compromised due to the increase in western wheatgrass and saltgrass and heavy grazing.

Mammals: Shorter statured vegetation and heavy grazing creates shorter statured vegetation, reducing cover for large mammals such as white-tailed deer.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

2.3 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Tall Warm Season Grasses: This plant community occurs over periods of extended rest, long-term haying, and/or no disturbance. This results in a marked increase in the exotic cool-season grasses with the warm-season grasses conspicuously present. Long-term hay during the warm-season critical growth period favors exotic cool-season grasses and also negatively impacts grassland nesting birds during the nesting season.

Invertebrates: The increase in exotic cool-season grasses decrease bare ground reducing habitat for ground nesting bees. Haying during flowering periods reduces pollen and nectar availability.

Birds: Increase in exotic cool-season grasses provides a shorter statured vegetation component for grassland nesting birds. Although tall warm-season grasses are still present on the site, overall, a shorter statured vegetation community favors grassland nest bird species that prefer mid- to medium- statured vegetation. Haying during the primary nesting season reduces survival and recruitment of grassland nesting bird species.

Mammals: Shorter statured vegetation, coupled with no-use, light-use or long-term haying creates shorter statured vegetation, reducing cover for large ungulates. Small mammal habitat remains intact with litter build-up especially under non-use or light use management regime.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

3.0 Thin-Native/Invaded State

3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Western Wheatgrass/Forbs/Bare Ground: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1B due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses and a decline in native warm-season and cool-season grasses. 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, quackgrass, or other exotic species became established on the site. The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.21, except it has a minor amount of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs. This phase still functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to the Invaded State 4.0. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0 from State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.21.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.21.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.21.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.21.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.21.

3.2 Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass/Exotic Forbs/Bare Ground: This plant community develops through Community Phase Pathway 3.1A with heavy grazing, with or without drought. An increase in salinity and grazing tolerant species results in an increase in foxtail barley and, possibly, bare ground.

Invertebrates: Heavy grazing reduces increase soil compaction reducing potential for ground nesting bees. Heavy grazing also reduces pollen and nectar sources.
Birds: Heavy grazing shortens vegetative height favoring grassland nesting birds that prefer short statured vegetation.

Mammals: Heavy grazing reduces vegetative height and bare soil reducing thermal, escape, and winter cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.21. However, heavy grazing reduces habitats for all amphibians and reptiles, such as skinks and snakes.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.21.

4.0 Thick-Invaded State

Community Phase 4.1: Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs: Thick-Invaded State may occur under a wide range of managerial conditions ranging from no use, prolonged annual haying, and no fire to heavy season-long grazing (primarily Kentucky bluegrass Characterized by a dominance (>30%) of exotic cool-season grasses, such as smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass, native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community. Return to State 2.0 (via Restoration Pathway R3A) through prescribed burning and high levels of grazing management requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool-season and forbs to be successful. The remnant native community needs frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density. Without intensive management, the remnant native plants will not increase adequately to transition back to State 2.0. Intensified management along the R3A Pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term native habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Exotic grasses limit use by beneficial insects provided in States 1.0 and 2.0. Heavy, continuous season-long grazing causes this plant community to be dominated by sod forming cool- and warm-season grasses creating a thick root layer which eliminates bare ground and nesting sites for native bees and other ground-nesting insects. Lack of grazing and/or fire increase litter leading to limited contact between plant material and mineral soil resulting in a cooler micro-climate, which is unfavorable to most insects. Both management scenarios lead to a lack of nectar-producing plants and native grass host plants which eliminate life requisites for invertebrate species of concern in MLRA 55A. Depending on density of shrubs, early- to mid-season pollen and nectar may be provided by western snowberry and prairie rose.

Birds: The homogeneous community phase, dominated by exotic short statured grass species, provides limited habitat and life requisites for most obligate grassland-nesting birds. Bird species that favor short-statured vegetation may use this site; however, heavy, continuous season-long grazing along with a lack of plant diversity and stature limits use by many grassland-nesting birds. Lack of grazing and/or fire decreases plant diversity and stature and increases litter; the tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome to lay down limits use by many grassland-nesting birds. Sharp-tailed grouse may use this plant community for lek sites; however, all other life requisites will need to be met on other nearby or adjacent ecological sites plant communities. The shrub component in this plant community will not reach density or height to be detrimental to grass-land nesting birds that are intolerant to woody vegetation.

Mammals: Heavy, continuous season-long grazing causes this plant community to be dominated by short-statured, sod forming cool- and warm-season grasses providing limited thermal, protective, escape cover for mammals. Limited habitat is available for mammals except for ground dwelling rodent species. Lack of grazing and/or fire decreases plant diversity and stature and increases litter; the tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome to lay down favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small mammals/ rodents. Dependent upon the density of western snowberry, limited thermal, protective, and escape cover may be available for larger mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.11.

5.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 5.1: Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: Following cropland abandonment or other disturbance, these plant communities are dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals, birds, and their young.

Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing insect presence. Tall stature provided by some weeds, such as marsh elder and ragweed, offer thermal cover and seeds throughout winter for deer, small mammals, and over-wintering birds. 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 along Transition Pathway R5B can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Implementation of prescribed burning and/or chemical/mechanical brush management followed by a failed range planting, via Transition Pathway R5B or R5C, can result in an invaded plant communities Thin-Invaded State 3.0 or State 4.0 Thick-Invaded State.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations

This site is well adapted to managed grazing by domestic livestock. The predominance of herbaceous plants across all plant community phases best lends these sites to grazing by cattle, but other domestic grazers with differing diet preferences may also be a consideration depending upon management objectives. Often, the current plant community does not 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/prescribed grazing management. “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 % Use Description
Slight (Light) 0-20 Appears practically undisturbed when viewed obliquely. Only choice areas and forage utilized.

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

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

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

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

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is typically moderate to moderately rapid; runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to low depending on surface texture, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by Kentucky bluegrass, and/or smooth brome will result in reduced infiltration and increased 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).

Hydrological manipulation (surface or tile drainage, pumping, surface water diversion, etc.) modifies this ecological site. The transition to an altogether different ecological site will depend upon severity of altered hydrology, soil properties, and corresponding vegetation. Due to the many variables (e.g., hydrology, type and success of drainage, etc.), impacts to the ecological site will be site-specific. As a result, each situation will require field investigation to determine what, if any, change in ecological site designation is necessary and proceed accordingly.

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 provides 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), 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 provides 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 the 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

There are no significant wood products found on this site.

Other products

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

Other information

Site Development and Testing Plan
• Further investigation is needed on the soil physical and chemical property differences between Stirum sites with a thicker surface layer (currently in Thick State and Native/Invaded States) and those with a very thin surface layer (currently in Thin State) and the variability of associated plant communities. It is unclear whether the Thin State is a result of erosion or if the thin surface is due to other, variable soil forming factors: inherent sodium content near the surface (very high pH an SAR values and possible sodium toxicity), water table fluctuations, soil capillarity and surface evaporation, etc. It is also unclear whether it should be assumed that areas in the Thin State were once in Reference condition or if the current sparse plant community on these areas should be considered typical. The mosaic of better/poorer vegetation may have the norm prior to any “management” of these soils. It may be advisable that a distinct ecological site description be developed for what is now termed “change to Thin State” after further investigation can be completed.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data; however, this data needs review. If geo-referenced sites meeting Tier 3 standards for either vegetative or soil data are not available, representative sites will be selected for further investigation.
• Site concepts will be refined as the above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o During the recently completed Ecological Site Description update, this Sodic Subirrigated ecological site was developed; all Stirum components need to be relinked from Saline Lowland to 55A Sodic Subirrigated.

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

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

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/08/2025

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