Animal community

Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape:
The MLRA 58C landscape is characterized by moderately dissected rolling plains with areas of local Badlands, buttes, and isolated hills. MLRA 58C is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of the MLRA. This area supports natural mixed-grass prairie vegetation with prairie rose, leadplant, and patches of western snowberry interspersed throughout the area. Green ash, chokecherry, and buffaloberry occur in draws and narrow valleys, creating woody riparian corridors. Complex/intermingled ecological sites create diverse grass- and shrubland habitats interspersed with varying densities linear, slope, depressional, and in-stream wetlands associated with headwater streams and tributaries to the Missouri River. These habitats provide critical life-cycle components for many wildlife species.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:

The northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary ecological drivers (either singly or often in combination). Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and large herds of Audubon bighorn sheep, roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were historically among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Bighorn sheep have been re-introduced. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammal and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to large predators (such as the wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear) and smaller carnivores (such as the coyote, bobcat, red fox, and raptors). The black-tailed prairie dog was once abundant and provided ecological services by manipulating the plant and soil community providing habitat for the black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, swift fox, small mammals, and amphibians and reptiles. Extirpated species include free-ranging American bison, Canada lynx, common raven, grizzly bear, gray wolf, black-footed ferret, mountain plover, and peregrine falcon (breeding). Extinct from the region is the Rocky Mountain locust.

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:

Following European influence, domestic livestock grazing, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced plant community composition and abundance. Transportation corridors, energy development, and Rocky Mountain juniper and ponderosa pine encroachment are the main factors contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area-sensitive species. These influences fragmented the landscape, reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire), and introduced exotic plant species including smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge further impacting plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison, reduction of black-tailed prairie dogs, and fire (as primary ecological drivers) greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape, lacking diverse species composition and stature.

Extensive fragmentation by annual cropping has not occurred within the MLRA. Limited fragmentation from annual cropping or tame hay production has occurred within the Little Missouri River flood plain and the higher, flat plateaus. Fragmentation east and west of MLRA 58C has funneled many species into this area in search of expansive grasslands.

Some wildlife species in this area are: mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lion, coyote, red fox, bobcat, prairie rattlesnake, American badger, raccoon, North American porcupine, beaver, striped skunk, American mink, white-tailed jackrabbit, black-tailed prairie dog, Eastern and Merriam’s wild turkey, golden eagle, ferruginous hawks, sharp-tailed grouse, greater sage-grouse, black-billed magpie, and numerous species of grassland-nesting birds and pollinating insects. The highest diversity of bats in North Dakota also occurs in this MLRA, where eleven species have been documented.

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

Insects play an important role providing ecological services for plant community development. Insects that are scavengers or aid in decomposition provide the food chain baseline sustaining the carnivorous insects feeding upon them. Many insects provide the ecological services necessary for pollination, keeping plant communities healthy and productive. Insects provide a protein food source for numerous species including grassland nesting birds and their young.

Species unique to the MLRA:

Mountain Lions: Mountain lions were relatively common in the Badlands but disappeared from the state by the early 20th Century. Sightings resumed in the 1950’s and have subsequently increased since that time. The species has recently taken up permanent residency within the region. Mountain lions occur in of the Little Missouri Badlands and woody habitat in MLRA 58C. Rugged terrain and forest provide excellent stalking cover to hunt large mammals and other prey. Mountain lions make use of caves for escape and loafing cover.

Bighorn sheep: Bighorn sheep make use of the rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and high plateaus of MLRA 58C along the Little Missouri River. North Dakota bighorn sheep populations are almost exclusively within MLRA 58C. Bighorn sheep were once extirpated from North Dakota but were successfully reintroduced in the mid-twentieth century. They now occur in several distinct populations within MLRA 58C. Rocky Mountain juniper encroachment degrades the limited habitat for bighorn sheep. Managers should consider bighorn sheep association with domestic sheep, since transfer of pneumonia and other diseases is known to occur.

Golden eagle: The badlands within MLRA 58C are key areas for Golden eagle nesting. Adjacent grasslands, shrublands, and black-tailed prairie dog towns are used for hunting.

Bats: MLRA 58C provides life requisites for several bat species, in part due to presence of riparian forest, wooded draws, caves, and rocky outcrops. Hibernacula of six bat species have been found in MLRA 58C; however, additional work is needed to further understand utilization of hibernacula by bats during the winter months in North Dakota.

Short-horned lizard and sagebrush lizard: This MLRA provides preferred habitat for these two species. The short-horned lizard prefers semi-arid, shortgrass prairie in rough terrain; it is uncommon to locally abundant in MLRA 58C. The rare sagebrush lizard prefers sagebrush and rocky areas provided by this MLRA and adjacent MLRA 58D.

Greater sage-grouse and Brewer’s sparrow: The extreme southwest extension of MLRA 58C have ecological sites capable of producing sufficient big sage canopy cover to provide greater sage-grouse life requisites. MLRA 58C and 58D are the only MLRAs in North Dakota that support Wyoming big sage brush (big sage) production. Research data indicates greater sage-grouse prefer big sagebrush canopy cover for nesting at ≥8% with an average height of around 16 inches. The species prefers winter cover canopy that averages 15% with an average height of around 8 inches. Soil site potential, management, climate, and other factors all play a role in the amount, if any, of big sagebrush on an ecological site. Changes in big sage canopy cover occur slowly (30-50 years) unless the site is impacted by fire or cultivation. Big sage recovery after a burn can take 30 to 100 years. Greater sage- grouse and Brewer’s sparrow habitat and populations are reduced or eliminated when big sagebrush canopy is reduced to less than 8% for greater sage-grouse and 10% cover for Brewer’s sparrow. As conifer encroachment increases, greater sage-grouse lekking activity decreases. Once conifer encroachment exceeds 4% canopy cover, no leks remain.

Species of Concern within the MLRA:

Following is a list of species considered “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015); “species of greatest conservation need” in the Montana State Wildlife Action Plan (2015); and species listed as “threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act within MLRA 58C at the time this section was developed:

Invertebrates: Dakota skipper, monarch butterfly, regal fritillary, yellow-banded bumble bee, and western bumble bee.

Birds: American kestrel, Baird’s sparrow, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, bobolink, Brewer’s sparrow, burrowing owl, chestnut-collared longspur, common poorwill, eastern screech-owl ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, grasshopper sparrow, greater sage-grouse, lark bunting, loggerhead shrike, long-billed curlew, marbled godwit, McCown’s longspur, mountain plover, northern harrier, northern pintail, peregrine falcon (migration), prairie falcon, red knot (migration), red-headed woodpecker, sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Sprague’s pipit, Swainson’s hawk, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, Wilson’s phalarope, whooping crane (migration), and willet.

Mammals: Big brown bat, black-footed ferret, black-tailed prairie dog, dwarf shrew, gray wolf, hispid pocket mouse, little brown bat, long-eared bat, long-legged bat, meadow jumping mouse, Merriam’s shrew, northern long-eared bat, porcupine, sagebrush vole, swift fox, Townsend’s big- eared bat, and western small-footed bat.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Common snapping turtle, Great Plains toad, greater short-horned lizard, milk snake, northern leopard frog, plains hognose snake, plains spadefoot, sagebrush lizard, smooth softshell, smooth green snake, and spiny softshell.

Fish and Mussels: Blue sucker, burbot, Flathead chub, northern redbelly dace, sickle-fin chub, pearl dace, shortnose gar, sturgeon chub, and sauger.

Grassland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA

Management activities within the community phase pathways impact wildlife. Community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways are keys to long-term management within each State and between States. Significant inputs must occur to cross the threshold between States (e.g., State 3.0 to 2.0) requiring substantial economic inputs and management (mechanical, reseeding, prescribed fire, woody vegetation removal, grazing intensity, etc.). Timing, intensity, and frequency of these inputs can have dramatic positive or negative effects on local wildlife species. Ranchers and other land managers must always consider the long-term beneficial effects of management on the habitat in comparison to potential short-term negative effects to individuals.

Ecological sites occur as intermingled complexes on the landscape with gradual or sometimes abrupt transitions. Rarely do ecological sites exist in large enough acreage to manage independently.

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

Management of these complex ecological sites can provide a heterogeneous or a homogenous landscape. Grassland bird use declines as the plant community transitions to a homogenous state. Managers need to recognize ecological sites and the complexes they occur in to properly manage the landscape. A management regime for one ecological site may negatively impact an adjacent site (e.g., alteration of a grazing regime within a Flat Bottom Wooded Draw ecological site to encourage understory growth may encourage exotic, cool-season grasses to increase or dominate an adjacent ecological site).

Life requisites and habitat deficiencies are determined for targeted species. Deficiencies need to be addressed along community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways as presented in specific state and transition models. Ecological sites should be managed and restored within the capabilities of the site to provide sustainable habitat. Managers also need to consider habitat provided by adjacent/intermingled ecological sites for species with home ranges or life requisites that cannot be provided by one ecological site.

With populations of many grassland-nesting birds in decline, it is important to maintain these ecological sites in a 1.0 Reference State or the 2.0 Native/Invaded. Plant communities, optimal for a guild of grassland species, serve as a population source where the birth rate exceeds mortality. Species may use marginal plant communities; however, these sites may function as a population sink where mortality exceeds the birth rate.

Understanding preferred vegetative stature and sensitivity to woody encroachment is necessary to manage for the specific grassland species. Various grass heights may be used for breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat. While most species use varying heights, many have a preferred vegetative stature height. Please reference the provisional ESD on the North Dakota eFOTG (linked below) for a chart that provides preferred vegetative stature heights and sensitivity to woody vegetation encroachment.
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/58C_Loamy_Overflow_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Loamy Overflow Wildlife Interpretation:

Loamy Overflow ecological sites are very productive given climatic conditions within MLRA 58C. Loamy Overflow sites support diverse stature and high diversity of grasses, forbs, and shrubs for wildlife. Ecological sites associated with the Loamy Overflow sites include Loamy, Sandy, Limy Residual, Shallow Loamy, Shallow Sandy, Steep-Sided Wooded Draw, and Flat Bottom Wooded Draw. In combination, these sites (except for the two Wooded Draw sites) provide a generally unfragmented landscape within the MLRA. However, in the Wooded invaded State 4.0 and where it is associated with Steep-Sided Wooded Draw and Flat Bottom Wooded Draw ecological sites, this complex of ecological sites provides limited habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species. These sites may provide habitat for bird species tolerant to or preferring woody vegetation.

Located in concave run-on landscape positions, Loamy Overflow vegetative features support grassland-nesting birds, notably species preferring medium to tall vegetative stature. These sites serve as food sources and provide nesting, brooding, escape, and winter cover for birds and their young. Sites in the Wooded invaded State 4.0 may provide nesting sites for woodland and shrubland bird species. Insects thrive on the moist soil and highly productive forbs and grasses, providing quality foraging areas for birds.

Due to linear shape and landscape position, Loamy Overflow sites provide important travel corridors. Wild turkey, deer (white-tailed and mule), elk, small mammals, and passerine birds use this ecological site to move across the landscape for food, cover and water. In the 4.0 Wooded invaded State, this ecological site provides an extension of the forest found in the Flat Bottom Wooded Draw, Steep-Sided Wooded Draw, and woody riparian ecological sites.

Loamy Overflow sites in State 4.0 provide quality loafing, escape, and winter cover for small and large herbivores. When associated with Flat Bottom Wooded Draws and Steep-Sided Wooded Draws they provide primary habitat for elk in MLRA 58C.

Loamy Overflow ecological sites generally do not support big sagebrush. Increased vigor supported by additional run-on causes grasses to outcompete big sagebrush. Fire intensity and frequency on this site makes it inappropriate to manage Loamy Overflow sites for big sagebrush. Greater sage- grouse will utilize these sites for foraging, loafing, and winter habitat.

Loamy Overflow ecological sites may be found in four plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, 4.0 Wooded Invaded State, and 5.0 Go-Back State) within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist in states 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0. Today, these states occur primarily in response to grazing, drought, and non-use. Secondary influences include anthropogenic disturbances, fire, and occasional prairie dog occupation. Ecological services, historically provided by bison, are simulated by domestic livestock.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in the Community Phase Pathways of State 1.0 and State 2.0. Management along these pathways prevent further plant community degradation along T2A Transitional Pathway to Invaded State 3.0 or the T2B and T3A Transitional Pathways to the 4.0 Wooded Invaded State thresholds. Native wildlife generally benefits from the heterogeneous composition and stature of grass species found in States 1 and 2. As plant communities degrade within State 2.0, warm-season grasses (particularly tall- to mid-statured grasses) decrease along with a reduced native forb composition. This transition results in reduced stature and increased plant community homogeneity. When adjacent/intermingled ecological sites undergo the same transition, the result can be an expansive, homogenous landscape.

Success along Restoration Pathway R3A from State 3.0 to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of a remnant native grass population. This concept also applies to wildlife as the target species must either be present on adjacent State 1.0 or State 2.0 plant communities or on ecological sites within the species’ mobility limits. Species with limited mobility, such as Dakota skippers, must exist near the plant community to utilize restored sites. Mobile species, such as grassland-nesting birds can easily locate isolated, restored plant communities.

Plant community phases, within the State 3.0, show dramatically 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. Increased exotic- grass litter can limit access to bare ground by nesting insects and can limit mobility by small chicks. 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 on attainable changes. Short- and long-term monetary costs must be evaluated against short- and long-term ecological services in creating and maintaining quality vegetative communities to support sustainable wildlife populations.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Needlegrasses-Big Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass: This plant community offers quality vegetative cover for wildlife; 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. Fire frequency maintains a grass dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. Predominance of grass species in this community favors grazers and mixed-feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

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

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to limited host plants, such as little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Regal fritillary can make use of violet species on this site. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs on this site; however, few milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs as a nectar source; however, bare ground and nesting sites are limited due to the dominance of sod forming grasses.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tall- grass nesting birds. Fire frequency maintains a grass dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. In years with reduced precipitation or drought, nesting recruitment may be compromised. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites and nesting habitat but does provide quality brood-rearing and escape habitat. This site provides good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, pronghorn, elk, and deer (white-tailed deer and mule). Tall- to mid-statured vegetation provide suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small mammals.

Amphibians and 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 habitats (such as stock water ponds) are located in or adjacent to the site. Silver sagebrush provides habitat to support sagebrush lizard; however, due to the lack of rocky and/or sandy soils, neither the sagebrush lizard nor short-horned lizard may use this ecological site. This ecological site provides limited habitat for the plains hog-nosed snake (prefer sandy soils) and plains spadefoot (prefer gravelly or sandy soils).

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be directly associated with Riparian Complex ecological sites or water bodies. This site receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites. Management on Loamy Overflow sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, will have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Loamy Overflow sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the adjacent aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Western Wheatgrass/Forbs/Needlegrasses: Long term drought, with or without heavy grazing, or prairie dog occupation (along Community Phase Pathway 1.1A) causes this community shift. Tall, warm-season grasses have been reduced while cool-season, mid-stature grasses and forbs that are more tolerant to grazing or prairie dog occupation begin to dominate this community phase.

Invertebrates: Increase in forbs will provide additional nectar sources for pollinating insects. Increased bare ground and prairie dog burrow sites provide increased nesting sites for bumble bees and other ground-nesting insects.

Birds: A shift from tall- to mid-statured grass will favor grassland nesting birds preferring short- to mid- statured vegetation. Foraging opportunities may increase due to increased insect activity. If occupied by prairie dogs or driven by continued heavy grazing, vegetative stature becomes very short which favors burrowing owls, chestnut-collared longspur, and McCown’s longspur. Prairie dog towns provide abundant prey populations for grassland raptors. The lack of grass and forb stature limits use by many grassland bird species. State and Plant Community Phase 2.3 with no known return pathway to State 1.0 due to the presence of exotic cool-season grasses.

Mammals: The shift from tall- to mid-statured grass will reduce protective and thermal cover for small mammals. Suitable food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals becomes limited. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores, including rodents, white-tailed jackrabbits, and deer. Grazers, such as pronghorn and bison, use prairie dog towns for foraging and loafing.

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

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

Community Phase 1.3 Western Snowberry-Chokecherry/Grasses: Prolonged fire return intervals, light or no grazing results in increased woody vegetation leading to a shrub dominated plant community. However, this woody plant community has a patchy landscape appearance and is still dominated by grasses. The shift to shrubs, will accompany a shift to woody tolerant bird species. Return of fire or grazing shifts this plant community to a 1.2 Community Phase (via Community Phase Pathway 1.3A).

Invertebrates: A switch to woody vegetation will not have significant impact on pollinating insects. Early season and mid-season flowering shrubs (such as western snowberry and chokecherry, respectively) provide nectar. Forbs provide a season long food source. Shrubs will increase opportunities for wood nesting species. Increased bare ground may provide increased nesting sites for bumble bees and other ground nesting insects.

Birds: The shift in vegetation in Plant Community Phase 1.3 will favor grassland nesting birds tolerant to woody vegetation, such as snowberry. However, when trees and shrubs approach the upper density within this plant community, grassland nesting birds may be eliminated from the site.

Mammals: The shift to an increased shrub and tree component in Plant Community Phase 1.3 will provide high nutrition levels and quality cover for many mammals. Deer may use these areas for foraging, loafing, escape, and winter cover. As the density of shrubs and trees increase within this plant community, pronghorn use will diminish or be eliminated.

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

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

Community Phase 1.4 Chokecherry/Green Ash/Western Snowberry/Sprengel’s Sedge: Lack of fire and lack of grazing disturbances, along Community Phase Pathway 1.3B, shifts the competitive edge to woody vegetation. This site has a limited herbaceous understory with Sprengel’s sedge, northern bedstraw, and starry false lily of the valley. This plant community is a transition zone between herbaceous dominated and woodland dominated vegetative types. Consisting of scattered patches of woody vegetation located in drainage patterns surrounded by herbaceous vegetation, this plant community provides wildlife travel corridors. It does not constitute large tracts of continuous, linear, forest-like vegetation. This plant community provides escape, loafing, and/or winter cover.

Invertebrates: This plant community still has a large component of flowering shrubs providing early season nectar plants for pollinating insects. Forb and shrub areas within and adjacent to this site provide season long nectar sources. Bare ground and wood are readily available for bumble bees and other ground and wood nesting insects.

Birds: As density of trees and shrubs increases, bird species favoring woodland edge (such as the wild turkey, American robin, gray catbird, eastern and western kingbirds, brown thrasher, black-capped chickadee, common grackle, brown-headed cowbird, and downy woodpecker) will begin to occupy this site. Grassland nesting birds that are not tolerant of woody species may abandon this plant community. These sites provide quality sharp-tailed grouse brood and winter thermal cover. The presence of woody plant species may attract mammalian and avian predators. Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds on adjacent grassland ecological sites may increase.

Mammals: The mosaic of herbaceous and woody vegetation, as a linear feature on the landscape, provides escape, loafing and winter cover for deer. As a transition zone from an herbaceous plant community to a woody plant community, the plant community is used as a travel corridor and provides thermal and protective cover for many mammalian species. Species that can use or tolerate woodland edge (such as fox squirrels, American porcupine, and bats) will benefit from this community phase.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This community phase will no longer provide habitat for Great Plains toad. Species (such as the sagebrush lizard, plains hog-nosed snake, and smooth green snake) may occupy these types of woodland vegetative types.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the bare soil found under the tree and shrub canopy reduces infiltration and nutrient cycling. Run-off, sediment yield, and nutrient load increase from the site, negatively impacting receiving water bodies.

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Needlegrasses-Big Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass: This plant community develops through Transition pathway T1A due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses. The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Plant Community 1.1, except it has a minor amount of cool-season exotic 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 State 3.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

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

Community Phase 2.2 Western Wheatgrass-Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs: Heavy continuous season-long grazing along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A leads to mid-statured grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and western wheatgrass. Tall, warm-season grasses are a minor component. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods along Community Phase Pathway 2.2A is an efficient, effective method to regain the tall, warm-season grass components found in Community Phase 2.1.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Heavy continuous season-long grazing or heavy seasonal grazing reduces invertebrate forage and cover. Generally mid-to short-statured species prevail with minor amounts of tall-statured grasses serving mid- to short-grass nesting birds. Species preferring mid-grass stature will be generally successful with normal to above normal precipitation. Implementing prescribed grazing management along the 2.2A Community Phase Pathway will move this community to a more favorable stature for bird species preferring mid- to tall-stature vegetation. Located in natural drainageways, this plant community does not provide suitable sharp-tailed grouse lek site development. Diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunity for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

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

Community Phase 2.3 Annual Forbs/Bare Ground/Blue Grama/Fetid Marigold (Prairie Dog Town): This plant community is a result of ecological services provided by long-term black-tailed prairie dog occupation coupled with the introduction of exotic cool-season grasses and annual forbs along Community Phase Pathway 2.2B. Black-tailed prairie dogs provide primary ecological services to transition to and maintain Plant Community Phase 2.3. Utilizing one or more tools in Community Phase Pathway 2.3A (e.g., removal of black-tailed prairie dogs, control of exotic perennial forbs, implementation of prescribed grazing) can move this community back to Phase 2.1, but this may require significant management and economic inputs.

Invertebrates: The loss of native forb diversity limits use by all pollinators. However, invasive forbs will provide limited seasonal use (dependent upon bloom period). Bare ground, burrows, and short plant stature provide nest sites for bumblebees and other ground-nesting insects. Burrowing owls place dung around their burrow entrance, attracting dung beetles and other insects as a food source.

Birds: Burrowing owl and McCown’s longspur rely on the stature and composition that this plant community provides. Presence of black-tailed prairie dogs provided diverse prey populations for grassland raptors, including burrowing owls, prairie falcons, and ferruginous hawks. Burrowing owls nest in abandoned prairie dog burrows.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals becomes limited. The loss of grass and forb diversity reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, white-tailed jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, and deer. Except for black-tailed prairie dog, this plant community provides little habitat for mid-sized or small herbivores. Nonetheless, black-tailed prairie dog towns provide important habitat for many mammal species including small rodents. Grazers, such as pronghorn and bison, use prairie dog towns for foraging and loafing.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Prairie dog towns provide habitat for both amphibians and reptiles. Tiger salamanders, prairie rattlesnakes, and other snake species will use the burrow systems of prairie dogs for shelter and denning.

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

Community Phase 2.4 Chokecherry/Green Ash/Western Snowberry/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: This plant community phase occurs with prolonged intervals of no fire and no (or light) use. Exotic cool- season grasses, along with a significant increase in woody vegetation (such as chokecherry, western snowberry, and green ash) begin to dominate the site. This community is similar to that of Community Phase 1.4 but has now been colonized by exotic cool-season grasses, dependent upon canopy density. Springle sedge may still be present with a density canopy overstory whereas, Kentucky bluegrass may invade with a sparce canopy.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Shrubs/Forbs: This plant community occurs along Transition Pathway T2A, characterized by complete rest from grazing and elimination of fire. Exotic cool- season grasses exceeding 30% cross the threshold from State 2.0 to State 3.0. This plant community phase is characterized by a co-dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome. Forbs are present but lack species diversity. Five to fifteen percent of the plant community is made up of western snowberry, American plum, chokecherry, and prairie rose.

Frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management along Restoration Pathway R3A are necessary to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density of the remnant native plant community. The R3A pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife cover. However, this is necessary to restore long-term native vegetation functions for various species’ habitat needs. Without intensive management, further degradation within State 3.0 will occur, requiring mechanical treatment with reseeding through Restoration Pathway R3B.

Invertebrates: 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. When western snowberry and other flowering shrubs are in the mosaic with exotic cool-season grasses, forage opportunities for bumblebees, regal fritillary, monarch butterfly, and other pollinating species are enhanced.

Birds: Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome dominated plant communities do not provide quality habitat for grassland nesting birds. This invaded, homogenous state does not provide the needed plant stature, diversity, or food sources (invertebrates) for successful nesting and brood rearing. The tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome to lay down also limits adequate nesting sites. When western snowberry is part of the plant community, grassland-nesting woody tolerant bird species may use the site. When western snowberry and other shrubs dominate, the site provides escape, brood, and winter cover for sharp-tailed grouse.

Mammals: Dominated by exotic, cool-season grasses and western snowberry, this plant community phase provides forage, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, and jackrabbits. This short- to mid-statured plant community reduces the site’s value as a travel corridor for large ungulates.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, dominant, sod- forming, cool-season grasses decrease infiltration, reduce residence time, and increase water yield, subsequently increasing runoff and nutrient loading to adjacent aquatic ecosystems.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 3.1.

4.0 Wooded Invaded State

Community Phase 4.1 Green Ash/Chokecherry-Western Snowberry/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Resulting from pathways T2B and T3A, elimination of fire and grazing are the major contributors to this community phase crossing the threshold from an herbaceous plant community to a community dominated by shrubs and hardwoods. Loamy Overflow sites did not historically support a woody plant community. Unlike community phase 1.4, this plant community exists as a continuous linear woody feature. This woody invaded state provides similar life requisites as a naturally occurring Flat Bottom Wooded Draw or Steep-Sided Wooded Draw ecological site historically dominated by woody vegetation.

Wooded draws are an important vegetative type used by many large herbivorous mammals. Multi- level canopy, high edge-to-area ratio, and prevalence of preferred forage species provides high quality wildlife habitat. Within this MLRA, woody draws (such as those in Community Phase 4.1) receive various levels of seasonal use by American bison (Theodore Roosevelt National Park), Rocky Mountain elk, and deer. In general, woody draws provide important travel corridors, security cover, foraging, loafing, and parturition (birthing) areas.

Forest associations created where Loamy Overflow, Wooded State 4.0 are found adjacent to Steep-Sided Wooded Draws and Flat Bottom Wooded Draws provide quality loafing, escape, and winter cover for small and large herbivores and quality year-round habitat for elk and deer. These sites 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).

Invertebrates: Dominated by early season flowering shrubs, 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 a limited number of grasses in contact with mineral soil. The woody component of this site is not conducive to use by the Dakota skipper, regal fritillary, or monarch butterfly. 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 providing forage.

Birds: This site no longer provides habitat for grassland nesting bird species due its woody vegetation dominance. Bird species that use and benefit from woodland edge (such as wild turkey, black-billed cuckoo, red-headed woodpecker, black-capped chickadee, gray catbird, and loggerhead shrike) can be found in this community phase. These sites provide quality sharp-tailed grouse brood cover and winter thermal cover. 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: Nearly all bat species use Community Phase 4.1 for roost sites and forage. Small herbivores that can use or tolerate woodland edge (such as least chipmunks, American porcupine, and cotton-tail rabbit) will benefit from this plant community phase.

Shrubs and trees provide security and thermal cover used by elk and 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.

Elk utilizes Community Phase 4.1 as a source of cover during daylight hours, only emerging early/late in the day to forage in adjacent grasslands, then returning to the relative security provided by this plant community to ruminate and loaf during daylight hours. At times of drought, elk forage heavily on western snowberry found within Community Phase 4.1.

Deer utilize Community Phase 4.1 as primary foraging areas during all seasons of the year. Research at Theodore Roosevelt National Park found utilization of chokecherry and western snowberry by mule deer peaks during the fall accounting for 20 to 25% of their total dietary intake. In addition, mule deer also utilize rose, gooseberry, and serviceberry during the growing season. Winter white-tailed deer diets are dominated by chokecherry, western snowberry, serviceberry, rose, and various species of gooseberry. However, utilization of green ash as a forage by elk and deer was minimal accounting for <3% total dietary intake during all seasons.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4. Increased continuity provides improved dispersal opportunities.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the bare soil found under the tree and shrub canopy reduces infiltration and nutrient cycling. Run-off, sediment yield, and nutrient load increase from the site, negatively impacting receiving water bodies.

Community Phase 4.2 Juniper/Mature Green Ash: This phase results from Community Pathway 4.1A, the continued lack of fire, and a Rocky Mountain juniper seed source. Rocky Mountain juniper will invade and eventually dominate the site. This phase is dependent upon seed dispersal by birds and mammals from nearby sites. A dense stand of conifers leading to a detritus layer of juniper needles- leaves, shade, shallow root system, interception of precipitation with a possible soil chemistry change (decrease in pH) reduces or eliminates an herbaceous or forb understory. A stand replacing fire is required to move this plant community to Community Phase 4.1 (via Community Phase Pathway 4.2A).

Invertebrates: Conifers are wind-pollinated, not providing nectar sources for pollinating insects. Flowering shrubs, such as chokecherry and buffaloberry, are outcompeted by Rocky Mountain juniper. Dependent upon the degree of dominance by Rocky Mountain juniper, pollinating insects will only be supported by this phase if flowering shrubs or forbs remain within or on the edge of the plant community. In addition, the loss of a forb component limits insect populations.

Birds: Loss of shrubs, such a chokecherry and western snowberry reduces food availability for some bird species. Loss of flowering shrubs reduces invertebrate activity and, in turn, protein food sources for birds.

Mammals: Rocky Mountain juniper density can reach the level where large ungulates (such as mule deer and elk) can no longer travel through the plant community, reducing or eliminating travel corridors.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.4.

Fish and Mussels: Shading from Rocky Mountain juniper and green ash will increase bare soil under the tree and shrub canopy; this will reduce infiltration and nutrient cycling while increasing runoff and the potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading from the site to receiving water bodies.

5.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 5.1 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.

Successful restoration of native species along Transition Pathway R5A results in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Failed restoration to native species through Restoration Pathway R5B results in Invaded State 3.0. Wildlife species response will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed grazing, burning, interseeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

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 management on adjacent sites. “Degree of utilization” is defined as the proportion of the current years forage production that is consumed and/or destroyed by grazing animals (may refer to a single plant species or a portion or all the vegetation). “Grazing utilization” is classified as slight, moderate, full, close, and severe (see the following table for description of each grazing use category). The following utilization levels are also described in the Ranchers Guide to Grassland Management IV. Utilization levels are determined by using the landscape appearance method as outlined in the Interagency Technical Reference “Utilization Studies and Residual Measurements” 1734-3.

Utilization Level:
Slight (Light) 0-20% Appears practically undisturbed when viewed obliquely. Only choice areas and forage utilized.

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

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

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

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

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. Infiltration rate is moderate; runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to low depending upon slope percent, slope shape, 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 short grasses 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

The largest acreage of public land available for recreation in the MLRA is owned and managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) within the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota (525,211 acres). These areas are available for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, horse and bike riding, nature viewing, etc. In addition, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages 30,895 acres in North Dakota and Montana with the same recreational opportunities as the USFS lands. North Dakota and Montana Department of Trust Lands (80,220 acres) provide hunting, bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. North Dakota Wildlife Management Areas (3,447 acres) of land managed by the states for wildlife habitat in MLRA 58C.

MLRA 58C is home to the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Park encompasses approximately 70,000 acres and welcomes approximately 900,000 visitors annually. 29,920 acres of the park is designated Wilderness Area. The south unit of the park has a 48-mile scenic drive while the north unit has a 28-mile scenic drive. The Badland and associated ecological sites provide the main scenery attraction.

Bird watching: Public and private grasslands within MLRA 58C provide essential habitat for prairie-dependent bird species (such as Sprague's pipits, western meadowlark, and Baird's sparrow) along with some of the larger, showy members of the upland prairie including marbled godwits, upland sandpipers, and willets. The abundance of publicly owned lands (such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, USFS, North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, BLM, etc.) provide excellent birding opportunities. MLRA 58C is in the Central Flyway.

Hunting/Fishing: MLRA 58C is a fall destination for upland game bird hunters, especially sharp-tailed grouse. This MLRA also provides excellent white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, elk, coyote, and mountain lion hunting opportunities along with the only bighorn sheep hunting units in the North Dakota. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department manages three man-made fishing lakes within the MLRA. Available species include rainbow and brown trout, bluegill, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Camping: Many camping opportunities exist in the MLRA. Modern and primitive camping is available at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Sully’s Creek State Park, Little Missouri State Park, Buffalo Gap Campground, BLM land, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands. The Sully’s Creek and Little Missouri State Parks are designated horse parks.

Hiking/Biking: Over 150 miles of the May-Daah-Hey Trail provide some of the best single-track trails in the world for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has designated the hiking, biking, and horseback riding trail as EPIC - meaning it’s one of the top mountain biking trails in the United States. The trail has nine fenced campgrounds, each accessible by gravel surfaced roads; they include camping spurs, potable water, hitching rails, picnic tables, fire rings, and accessible toilets. They are spaced about every 20 miles along the trail. The North and South Units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park provide 38.9 and 49.6 miles, respectively, of hiking trails for walkers, bikers, or horseback riders. The Little Missouri State Park has 45 miles of trails that run through the North Dakota Badlands.

Canoeing: Traversing 274 miles through MLRA 58C, the Little Missouri River provides early spring canoeing and kayaking. The Little Missouri River is the only designated State Scenic River in the MLRA. The river passes through Sully Creek State Park, the Little Missouri National Grassland, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

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

Other information

Site Development and Testing Plan
The slope range for this site is currently 0 to 6 percent. In several areas, plant communities similar to Loamy Overflow have been observed on slopes exceeding 6 percent. These areas generally are a minor component, but some may make up more than 15 percent of the spatial extent of a map unit. Further investigation and documentation of the vegetation of these areas is recommended.

One major component of Glendive, frequently flooded is currently linked to Loamy Overflow in NASIS. This may be part of the Riparian Complex; review is recommended.

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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Barker, W.T. and W. C. Whitman. 1988. Vegetation of the Northern Great Plains. Rangelands 10: 266-272h

Barnhart, Paul. 2017. Documentation of overwintering bat species presence and hibernacula use in the badlands of North Dakota, Northwestern Naturalist 98(1), 48-56, (1 March 2017). https://doi.org/10.1898/NWN15-34.1.

Bjustad, A. J. 1965. Vegetation measurements in relation to range condition classification on the principal range sites of southwestern North Dakota. Ph.D. Thesis. North Dakota State University.

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Contributors

ND NRCS: David Dewald, Alan Gulsvig, Mark Hayek, Jeanne Heilig, John Kempenich, Chuck Lura, Jeff Printz, and Steve Sieler.

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 4/21/2025

Acknowledgments

NRCS would like to acknowledge the United State Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) for access to USFS and NPS properties and technical assistance in ESD development. USFS: Jack Dahl, Nickole Dahl, Chad Prosser, Jack Butler; NPS: Chad Sexton.

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