Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape

The MLRA 55B landscape is characterized by mostly nearly level to gently rolling till plains with some steep slopes adjacent to streams and many poorly defined drainage channels. The continental drainage divide occurs in the east central part of the MLRA. The MLRA is located within the Prairie Pothole Region with temporary, seasonal, and semi-permanent wetlands throughout the MLRA. The MLRA includes areas of eskers, kames, and ground moraines. MLRA 55B 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 American elm, bur oak, green ash, and willow species growing along the riparian zones of river systems found throughout the MLRA. 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 James, Pipestem, Maple, Goose, Sheyenne, Wild Rice, and Elm Rivers. MLRA 55B is located within North and South Dakota and within the boundaries of the Prairie Pothole Region.

Three Hydrologic Unit Areas make up this MLRA. Approximately 6% drains into the Mouse River into MLRA 55A, with the balance split between the James and Sheyenne Rivers.

By the mid-19th century, over 76% of the MLRA had been converted from mid- to tall-grass prairie to annual crop production. To alleviate crop production loss from wetlands and overland flow, a system of shallow surface ditches, judicial ditches, and road ditches removes surface water in spring and during high rainfall events. Tile drainage systems have been or are being installed extensively throughout MLRA 55B for sub-surface field drainage to enhance annual crop production.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55B:

The northern tall- and mixed-grass prairie 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 55B, wintering along the Mouse River in MLRA 55A and migrating through MLRA 55B and into MLRA 56A. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, elk, moose, pronghorn, white-tailed deer, and large herds of American bison were historically among the inhabitants adapted to this region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammals 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 55B:

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 (aka slough sedge) are important species on wet soils. Western snowberry, leadplant, and prairie rose are commonly interspersed throughout the area.

Over 80% of MLRA 55B has been converted to annual crop production. These influences fragmented the landscape, reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire), and introduced exotic plant species including smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge; this further impacted plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison and fire as primary ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife, moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape. Annual cropping is the main factor contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area- sensitive species.

Hydrological manipulation is extensive throughout the MLRA. Extensive wetland and subsurface tile drainage have taken place. Straightened segments of ephemeral and intermittent tributary streams of the James, Wild Rice, and Sheyenne River have reduced sinuosity, created oxbows, and enabled the conversion of riparian ecological sites 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 to the James and Sheyenne Rivers and their tributaries (along with lakes and reservoirs within the MLRA). Large dams on the James, Pipestem and Sheyenne rivers, along with installation of instream structures have reduced aquatic species movement within the MLRA.

National wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, state wildlife management areas, and North and South Dakota Department of Trust Lands provide herbaceous and woody cover for wildlife. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Bureau of Reclamation manage three man-made reservoirs - Jamestown Reservoir, Pipestem Reservoir, and Lake Ashtabula for flood control, also providing fish habitat and adjacent uplands for wildlife cover. Lonetree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is the largest state managed wildlife area covering 32,800 acres. Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is the largest refuge consisting of 16,000 acres.

Characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

Birds: Common goldeye, bufflehead, broad-winged hawk, alder flycatcher, mourning warbler, mallard, blue-winged teal, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, killdeer, eastern and western kingbird, western meadowlark, 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, white-tailed jackrabbit, 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, beaver, muskrat, mink, weasel, woodchuck, and red, eastern gray and fox squirrels.

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 of species are usually larger than one ecological site or are dependent upon more than one ecological site for annual life requisites. Ecological sites offer different habitat elements as the annual life requisites change. Habitat improvement and creation must be conducted within the mobility limits of a known population for the species.

Insects play an important role in 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 55B:

The following is a list of species considered “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015) and South Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2014); and species listed as “threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act within MLRA 55B at the time this section was developed:

Invertebrates: Dakota skipper, Iowa skipper, monarch butterfly, northern sandy tiger beetle, Ottoe skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, regal fritillary, yellow-banded bumble bee, and western bumble bee.

Birds: America avocet, American bittern, American kestrel, American white pelican, Baird’s sparrow, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, black tern, bobolink, burrowing owl, canvasback, chestnut-collared longspur, Dickcissel, ferruginous hawk, Franklin’s gull, grasshopper sparrow, horned grebe, lark bunting, LeConte’s sparrow, lesser scaup, marbled godwit, Nelson’s sparrow, northern goshawk, northern harrier, northern pintail, osprey (migration), peregrine falcon (migration), piping plover (migration), red knot (migration), sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Swainson’s hawk, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, willet, Wilson’s phalarope, whooping crane (migration), and yellow rail.

Mammals: Arctic shrew, big and little brown bats, Franklin’s ground squirrel, northern river otter, plains pocket mouse, pygmy shrew, Richardson’s ground squirrel, and silver-haired bat.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Canadian toad, plains hognose snake, smooth green snake, and snapping turtle.

Fish and Mussels: Black sandshell, blacknose shiner, Carmine shiner, creek heelsplitter, creeper, deertoe, fragile papershell, mapleleaf, northern pearl dace, northern redbelly dace, pink heelsplitter, threeridge, trout-perch, yellow sandshell, and Wabash pigtoe.

Grassland Management for Wildlife in MLRA 55B

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. Ecological sites supporting a dominance of herbaceous vegetation (Loamy/Sandy) can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support medium to tall shrubs (Loamy Overflow or Loamy-Wooded State). Conversely, ecological sites that are dominated by short- to mid-statured grasses (Claypan) can be adjacent to sites with bare soil only supporting minor amounts of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).

Management of these complex ecological sites can provide a heterogeneous or a homogenous landscape. Grassland bird use reduces as the plant community transitions to a homogenous state. Managers must recognize ecological sites and the complexes in which they occur to properly manage the landscape. A management regime for one ecological site may negatively impact an adjacent site; for example, alteration of a grazing regime within the Invaded Woody States to encourage understory growth may encourage exotic cool-season grasses to increase or dominate an adjacent ecological site.

Life requisites and habitat deficiencies are determined for targeted species. Deficiencies need to be addressed along community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways as presented in specific state-and-transition models. Ecological sites should be managed and restored within the site’s capabilities to provide sustainable habitat 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.

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 woody dominated plant community phases or states. The following chart provides sensitivity to woody vegetation and preferred vegetative stature heights.

To see the chart please follow the hyperlink https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/55B_Loamy_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Loamy Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Loamy sites, typically, have no restrictions in the soil profile; but a few sites have shale or gravel at a depth greater than 20 inches. This complex of ecological sites provides quality habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species. Loamy habitat features support nesting and foraging grassland birds but may be too dense and tall for sharp-tailed grouse leks. Associated ecological sites include Clayey, Limy Subirrigated, Loamy Overflow, Subirrigated, Thin Loamy, Shallow Loamy, and Wet Meadow.

Loamy ecological sites may be found in five plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, 4.0 Go-Back State, and 5.0 Invaded Wooded State). Multiple plant community phases exist within States 1.0 and 2.0. These states occur primarily in response to grazing, drought, and non-use. Secondary influences include fire and anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from 2.0 Native/Invaded State to 1.0 Reference State, it is important to intensively manage using tools within these community phase pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along T2A transitional pathway to Invaded State 3.0. Native grassland associated wildlife generally benefit from a heterogeneous grassland (found in States 1.0 and 2.0) that includes diverse grass and forb species with varying structure and density. Conversion to a woody state, along transitional pathway T2B, generally benefits wildlife species that can tolerate (or require) woody habitat within plant communities found in 5.0 Invaded Wooded State.

As plant communities degrade within 2.0 Native/Invaded State, warm-season grasses (particularly short-statured and cool-season exotic grasses) increase while native forbs are reduced. This transition results in reduced structure, increased plant community homogeneity, and reduced insect populations - resulting in a reduction of breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat for grassland birds. When adjacent/intermingled, ecological sites undergo the same transition, the result can be an expansive, homogenous landscape.

Success along restoration pathway R3A from 3.0 Invaded State to 2.0 Native/Invaded State is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of a remnant native grass population or successful native range seeding. The 3.0 Invaded State shows dramatic increased homogeneity of exotic cool-season grasses and further reduction in native forbs. Reduced forb diversity limits insect populations, negatively affecting grassland nesting bird foraging opportunities. However, western snowberry can become a dominant shrub at this site impacting bird species sensitive to woody vegetation invasion but at the same time providing habitat for beneficial pollinating insects. Increased exotic-grass litter can limit access to bare ground by nesting insects. A homogenous grassland landscape does not provide quality escape or winter cover. As a result, many species are not able to meet life requisites within State 3.0.

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

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Green Needlegrass-Western Wheatgrass: This plant community offers quality wildlife habitat; every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing (with adequate recovery period) as well as prescribed fire. 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 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 little bluestem and prairie dropseed. 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. The ecological site does not provide habitat for the northern sandy tiger beetle which prefers dry, sandy dunes or sandy areas away from water. This plant community provides potential habitat for the Ottoe Skipper preferring mid to tall-statured grasses. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs for pollen and nectar and bare ground for nesting amongst bunchgrasses. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, as well as prescribed fire, to maintain the 1.1 phase will have long term positive effects on ground dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short- to mid-grass nesting birds. Plant structure may be too dense or tall for species using short-grass habitats; however, it may be used during periods of drought or management such as rotational grazing or fire (resulting in defoliation) along community phase pathway 1.1A. The low scattered shrubs present in the plant community phase should not impact woody vegetation sensitive bird species.

Grassland birds preferring mid-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 leks and nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Limited structure and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunity for grassland raptors. Many passerine species utilize MLRA 55B as a major migratory travel corridor. Grassland species sensitive to woody associations during nesting and brooding may utilize the woodier fragmented sites.

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. Moderate stature provides suitable food and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores such as ground squirrels.

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

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be located near wetlands, streams, rivers, or water bodies. Associated ecological sites, such as Loamy Overflow and Wet Meadow, can receive run-on hydrology from Loamy sites out-letting into receiving waters. Management on these interconnected sites can have direct effects on aquatic species.

Community Phase 1.2 Western Wheatgrass-Needle and Thread-Blue Grama: This plant community phase occurs from events that favor a decrease of cool-season grasses and in increase in warm- season grasses, such as heavy long-term grazing.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, deep-rooted perennial forbs provide increased pollinator habitat. An increase in warm-season, turf-forming grasses may negatively impact ground nesting pollinator species.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the increase of tall warm season grasses, favors grassland-nesting birds species preferring mid- to short-statured vegetation.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Depending on the density of shorter warm season grasses, large ungulates (such as deer) may have somewhat reduced escape and thermal cover.

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 Green Needlegrass-Western Wheatgrass: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1A due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool- season grasses. Lack of fire or heavy season-long grazing can facilitate this transition. The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome grass, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.1, except it has a minor amount of exotic cool- season grasses and forbs. This phase functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the State 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to the 3.0 Invaded State. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to 1.0 Reference State from 2.0 Native/Invaded State.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Increase in sod-forming exotic cool season grasses reduces bare ground, reducing the potential for ground nesting bees. Although forb diversity is maintained, increased competition from exotic cool-season grasses may reduce density of native forbs - reducing nectar and pollen availability.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

Community Phase 2.2 Blue Grama/Sedges/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Chronic, heavy season- long grazing along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A leads to shorter-statured grasses. Dominated by shorter-stature grasses and a loss of nitrogen-fixing or leguminous native forbs, the diversity of this plant community is reduced. Both tap-rooted and fibrous-rooted perennial forbs increase in this phase but remain a minor component. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods along Community Phase Pathway 2.2A is an efficient, effective method to regain the cool-season grass and forb diversity components in Community Phase 2.1.

Invertebrates: The reduction of native forbs and increases in sod-forming, cool- and warm-season grasses limit foraging and nesting sites for all pollinators. Continuous, heavy season-long grazing may reduce ground-nesting site availability. Homogeneity of forb species may limit season-long nectar availability.

Birds: Heavy season-long grazing reduces nesting sites, forage (invertebrates), and cover. A reduced forb component may limit foraging opportunities for birds. The stature is generally short, serving both mid- short-grass nesting birds. Shortgrass-nesting birds favor this phase. Species that prefer mid-grass stature generally will be successful with normal to above normal precipitation and a change in management along the 2.2A Community Pathway. In years with reduced precipitation or heavy grazing during the nesting season, use by mid-grass nesting species may be compromised. This plant community provides areas suitable for sharp-tailed grouse lek site development. Limited stature and vegetative cover limits prey populations and hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals become limited. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, and white-tailed deer.

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

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

Community Phase 2.3 Shrubs/Forbs/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Management activities (such as extended periods of no use, very light grazing, or no fire) allows for shrubs and exotic cool-season grasses to increase. Runoff and available nitrogen increase.

Invertebrates: The increase in shrubs, such as western snowberry and prairie rose, provide pollen and nectar for a variety of pollinators. The increase in sod-forming Kentucky bluegrass further reduces nesting sites for pollinators.

Birds: The increase in shrub density may begin to limit use by grassland nesting birds which are intolerant to woody vegetation. Increase in shrub density also reduces use as suitable for sharp- tailed grouse lek site development but may provide brood rearing and escape and winter cover.

Mammals: The increase in shrub density provides escape, thermal, loafing cover for small and large herbivores. The increased litter from total rest from grazing combined with no fire events provides protective and escape cover for small mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Dependent on the density of shrub canopy, amphibian and reptile use will become limited.

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

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Shrubs: Community Phase Pathway T2A is characterized by non-use and elimination of fire when exotic cool-season grasses are present (as in Community Phase 2.0). This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance (>30%) of exotic cool-season grasses, such as smooth bromes; native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community. 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. Increased litter and lack of grazing leads to limited contact between plant material and mineral soil resulting in a cooler micro-climate, which is unfavorable to most insects. Lack of bare soil limits ground-nesting sites for native bees and other ground-nesting insects. The lack of nectar-producing plants limits forage opportunities for bumblebees, regal fritillary, monarch butterfly, and other pollinating species. This Community Phase does not provide life requisites for any species of concern within MLRA 55B.

Birds: The homogeneous community phase, dominated by exotic plant species, provides limited habitat and life requisites for most obligate grassland-nesting birds. Lack of plant diversity and stature, along with increased litter and 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 and nesting cover; however, winter cover must be provided by adjacent ecological sites or plant communities.

Mammals: Short statured vegetation does not provide thermal, protective, and escape cover for large ungulates and herbivories. Litter accumulation and exotic grass cover favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents.

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

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

4.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 4.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance (such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity for a prolonged period). Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. 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. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control). Successful restoration of native species along Transition Pathway R4A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0.

5.0 Invaded Wooded State

Loamy ecological sites did not historically support a woody plant community; today, these usually exist as a linear woody feature on a linear/concave landscape commonly referred to as ‘woody draws’. The wooded state occurs when the Loamy ecological site is located near a seed source for woody vegetation with extended periods of no use, no fire usually occurring on the side slopes or foot slopes. The removal of all disturbance through Transition Pathways T2B and T3A are the major contributors to this community phase, crossing the threshold from an herbaceous plant community to a community dominated by hardwoods and shrubs. The composition of this woody plant community will be dependent upon shading (tree canopy density), management (grazing), and the amount of invasive grass and shrub species.

Community Phase State 5.1 Hardwood Trees/Shrubs: Wooded draws are an important vegetative type used by many large mammals. Multi-level canopy, high edge-to-area ratio, and prevalence of preferred forage provides high quality wildlife habitat. Within MLRA 55B, these areas provide important travel corridors, security cover, and foraging, loafing, and parturition (birthing) areas.

Invertebrates: Early season flowering shrubs provide pollen and nectar. However, pollinating insects will need adjacent herbaceous and forb-dominated ecological sites for mid- to late-season pollen sources. Lower trophic-level consumers (such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders) will use woody plant material, leaves, and limited amounts of grasses in contact with mineral soil. The woody component of this site is not conducive to use by any insect species of conservation priority within MLRA 55B. Woody plant material is available for wood-nesting bees. These wind-protected, moist plant communities provide favorable habitat for flying insects (flies, mosquitoes, moths, etc.). Favorable climatic conditions can lead to large hatches of insects.

Birds: This site no longer provides habitat for grassland-nesting bird species due to the dominance of woody vegetation. Bird species that use and benefit from woodland edge (such as wild turkey, black- billed cuckoo, black-capped chickadee, gray catbird, etc.) can be found in this community phase. These community phases provide nesting habitat for many migratory passerines and quality winter cover for sharp-tailed grouse, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, wild turkey, and non-migrating passerine birds (such as black-capped chickadee and white-breasted nuthatch). Berry producing shrubs provide late summer, fall, and winter forage for many bird species. Wildlife use increases as the depth of snow increases during the winter, thereby becoming critical to the sustainment of winter resident bird populations. The presence of woody plant species may increase mammalian and avian predation and increase brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds on adjacent grassland ecological sites.

Mammals: Little and big brown bats use these states for roost sites and forage. Small herbivores that can use (or tolerate) woodland edge, such as American porcupine and cotton-tail rabbit, will benefit from this plant community phase. Shrubs and trees provide security and thermal cover used by white-tailed deer for foraging, loafing, and rearing young-of-the-year. Multi-layer shrub/tree communities provide concealment protection from predators during parturition. Plant species provide highly nutritious forage during peak lactation, one of the most energy-demanding time periods of the year for female ungulates. Winter white-tailed deer diets are dominated by chokecherry, western snowberry, serviceberry, rose, and various species of gooseberry.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This plant community phase may not provide habitat for species of conservation priority within MLRA 55B.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the wooded state can occur along drainageways directly adjacent to Riparian Complex ecological sites, rivers, and streams. The bare soil found under the tree and shrub canopy may reduce infiltration and nutrient cycling. Run-off, sediment yield, and nutrient load increase from the site, negatively impacting receiving water bodies.

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 herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B, but includes some soils in group C. Infiltration varies from moderately slow to moderate; runoff potential varies from low to high for this site depending on soil hydrologic group, 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 exception would be where shortgrasses form a dense sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Recreational uses

Hunting and Bird Watching: National wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, state wildlife management areas (WMA), and North Dakota and South Dakota Department of Trust Lands provide herbaceous and woody cover for wildlife. National Wildlife Refuges and waterfowl production areas are owned and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and are available for public hunting, hiking, and bird watching. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Bureau of Reclamation manage three man-made reservoirs - Jamestown Reservoir (2,036 acres), Pipestem Reservoir (1,027 acres), and Lake Ashtabula (5,174 acres) for flood control, also providing fish habitat and adjacent uplands for wildlife cover. Lonetree WMA is the largest state managed wildlife area covering 32,800 acres. Numerous WMAs in North Dakota and Game Production Areas in South Dakota are found within this MLRA. The largest refuges managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife service are Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex consists of 75,000 acres and Tewaukon National NWR covers 8,363 acres.

Fishing: Approximately 100 lakes are managed for public fishing within MLRA 55B. Most of these lakes offer boat docks and ramps. These lakes contain various sport fish including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, catfish, trout, crappie, and bluegill. Many of these lakes are known for excellent round-around walleye and yellow perch fishery.

Camping: Fort Ramson State Park, Pipestem Reservoir, Jamestown Reservoir, Spiritwood Lake, Clausen Springs, Little Yellowstone, Richmond Lake State Recreation Area, Mina Lake State Recreation Area, and other public and private campgrounds are found within the MLRA. Limited, primitive camping is available on wildlife management areas. Ft. Ransom State Park (North Dakota), located along the Sheyenne River has a designated horse park with 15 miles of trails.

Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding: Horseback riders, hikers, and biker can enjoy over 15 miles of multi-use trails at Fort Ransom State Park. The Jamestown Reservoir (5 miles), Pipestem Reservoir (8 miles) and Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (9.4 miles) maintain hiking trails. The Lonetree Wildlife Management Area has 32- mile segment of the North Country Trail. It is designed for hiking and non-motorized travel including mountain bikes or horseback riding.

Canoeing/Kayaking: The Sheyenne River offers 278 miles of canoeing/kayaking from May-July. A kayak kiosk is located at Valley City and canoe/kayak rentals are available at Fort Ransom State Park. The James River has a canoe trail starting in Grand Rapids and canoeing down to the James River Dam site in LaMoure; no rentals are available.

Auto Tour: A 63-mile scenic drive starts north of Valley City and heading south through Sheyenne River Valley. Audubon National Wildlife Refuge offers a 5.5-mile auto-tour route winding through both prairie grassland and wetland habitats of the lower portion of the James River Valley.

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 recommended on the Glossic Natrudolls (Cathay and Camtown soils) which are currently included in the Loamy ecological site. Although these soil components meet the texture criteria of the site, the soil chemistry (particularly E.C. and SAR) is outside the ranges of central concept of the site. Many components may be marginal to the Claypan ecological site and are often closely intermingled with Claypan components. Recommended management practices for the Claypan site may be better suited to many areas of these soils than those of the Loamy site. The MLRA map units of most concern are:
o Cathay-Larson loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes (map unit 2q4hq)
o Cathay-Larson loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, bouldery (map unit 2q5sj)
o Larson-Cathay loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes (map unit 2q4hh
• Further investigation is recommended on Emrick (Pachic Hapludolls) intermingled with Glossic Natrudolls (Cathay soils). Both soils are currently included in the Loamy ecological site. Although Cathay components meet the texture criteria of the site, the soil chemistry (particularly E.C. and SAR) is outside the ranges of central concept of the site. The Cathay soils may be marginal to the Claypan ecological site. The Emrick component is populated in NASIS as a saline-sodic substratum local phase. The MLRA map units of concern is:
o Emrick-Cathay loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes (2q4hm)
• Further investigation is needed on occasionally flooded La Prairie soils with slopes exceeding 6 percent. No field investigation of the plant community has been completed to determine if Loamy or Loamy Overflow should be the representative ES; tentatively, these components have been assigned to Loamy. MLRA map units needing investigation are:
o Buse-Barnes-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes (map unit 2q4h4)
o Buse-Barnes-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q4h9)
o Esmond-Heimdal-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes (map unit 2q4tp)
o Esmond-Heimdal-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q4tq)
• Field investigations are recommended on areas of Vida soils in native range. The soil series depth to strong or violent effervescence ranges from 6 to 10 inches which overlaps the ESD concepts of Loamy and Thin Loamy. Vida soils have an argillic horizon above the calcic horizon. More documentation of the depth to the calcic horizon and the associated plant communities would be useful.
• Further investigation may be needed areas of this site on outwash plains. The available water capacity in these areas is lower than on other areas where this site occurs. This may impact the plant community during extended drier than normal periods.
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model may be needed to identify disturbance driven dynamics. Additional states and/or phases may be required to address grazing response.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data; however, this data needs review. If geo-referenced sites meeting Tier 3 standards for either vegetative or soil data are not available, representative sites will be selected for further investigation.
• Site concepts will be refined as the above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o One major component of La Prairie with slope <6 percent is in complex with Buse and Barnes soils. This La Prairie component is currently linked to Loamy; it should probably be relinked to 55B Loamy Overflow. Future consideration to a Loamy Terrace site in MLRA 55A as there are 23 other La Prairie components (5 major), 3 components of Fairdale (1 major), and 20 components of LaDelle (6major) with slope <6 percent that would meet the criteria.

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, 4/25/2025

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