Animal community

Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape:

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

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:

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

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:

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

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

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

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

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

Species unique to the MLRA:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Species of Concern within the MLRA:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grassland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA

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

Ecological sites occur as intermingled complexes on the landscape with gradual or sometimes abrupt transitions. Rarely do ecological sites exist in large enough acreage to manage independently. Ecological sites, supporting a dominance of herbaceous vegetation (Loamy/Limy Residual), can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support medium to tall shrubs (Loamy Overflow). Conversely, ecological sites that are dominated by short to mid statured grasses (Claypan) can be adjacent to sites with bare soil only supporting minor amounts of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).

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

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

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

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

Flat Bottom Wooded Draw Wildlife Interpretation:

Flat Bottom Wooded Draw ecological sites, commonly known as woody draws or green ash draws, support a diverse structure of trees and shrubs with a minor understory of grasses. Ecological sites associated with the Flat Bottom Wooded Draw sites in MLRA 58C include Loamy, Loamy Overflow, Limy Residual, Shallow Loamy, Steep-Sided Wooded Draw, and Badland. In combination, these sites provide a generally grassland-dominated landscape with intermingled woody draws. Historically, these sites provided woodland edge vegetation adjacent to grassland.

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

Flat Bottom Wooded Draws are linear in shape, providing well-protected travel corridors for many wildlife species. Wild turkey, deer, elk, small mammals, passerine birds, etc. use this ecological site to move across the landscape for food, cover, and water.

Flat Bottom Wooded Draws provide quality loafing, escape, and winter cover for small and large herbivores. When associated with Steep-Sided Wooded Draws, they provide quality year-round habitat for elk and deer.

This ecological site provides a connection between riparian forests and Steep-Sided Wooded Draw or Loamy Overflow (4.0 Invaded Woody State) sites. These forested associations form a dendritic pattern extending into herbaceous uplands.

Flat Bottom Wooded Draws do not support big sagebrush; therefore, it is not appropriate to manage these sites for big sagebrush. Greater sage-grouse do not utilize these sites for foraging, loafing, or winter habitat.

This ecological site exists in four plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, and 4.0 Invaded Conifer State) within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases occur in States 1.0 and 2.0. Today, these states occur primarily in response to grazing, above- or below-normal precipitation, and Rocky Mountain juniper invasion. Secondary influences include anthropogenic disturbances, such as energy development and fire.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage the Flat Bottom Wooded Draw ecological site using tools in the Community Phase Pathways of State 1.0 and State 2.0 to prevent further plant community degradation. When plant community degradation occurs along Transitional Pathway T1A, the plant community crosses the threshold to the Native/Invaded State 2.0.

Plant degradation can occur along Transitional Pathway T2A to the Invaded State 3.0 or along Transitional Pathway T2B to the Invaded Conifer State 4.0. Success along Restoration Pathways R3A and R4A from State 3.0 to State 2.0 or from State 4.0 to 2.0, respectively, is very difficult and is dependent upon a stand-replacing fire with tree seeding or transplanting. Mechanical treatment is an alternative to fire.

Management goals 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 Green Ash/Chokecherry):
This plant community offers quality vegetative cover for wildlife; every effort should be made to manage this ecological site within this community phase. This plant community exists as a continuous linear feature located in drainage patterns surrounded by herbaceous vegetation. Multi-aged and multilayered deciduous trees (such as green ash, American elm, and boxelder) and shrubs (such as chokecherry, plum, western snowberry, and Saskatoon serviceberry) dominate this site. This phase only occurs where disturbances (grazing, drought, fire, etc.) permit establishment and growth of green ash seedlings in the herbaceous layer. Prescribed grazing with an adequate recovery period, as well as prescribed fire, will help to sustain high functionality.

These 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 provide high quality wildlife habitat. Within MLRA 58C, wooded draws (such as those in Community Phase 1.1) receive various levels of seasonal use by American bison (Theodore Roosevelt National Park), Rocky Mountain elk, and deer (white-tailed and mule). In general, wooded draws provide important travel corridors, security cover, foraging, loafing, and parturition (birthing) areas.

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 limited amounts of grasses in contact with the 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 to provide forage.

Birds: This site does not provide habitat requisites for grassland-nesting bird species due its woody vegetation dominance. Bird species that use and benefit from woodland edge habitat (such as wild turkey, black-billed cuckoo, red-headed woodpecker, black-capped chickadee, gray catbird, rufous-sided towhee, back-capped chickadee, feld Sparrow, American goldfinch, dark-eyed junco, small flycatchers, warblers, Swainson’s thrush, and loggerhead shrike) can be found in this community phase. These sites provide quality brood and winter thermal cover for sharp-tailed grouse. Wildlife use increases as the depth of snow increases across the landscape during the winter, thereby becoming critical to the sustainment of winter resident bird populations. The combination of grassland and woody vegetation favors grassland bird species tolerant to woody vegetation and woodland, edge-tolerant passerine birds. 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 1.1 for roost sites and forage. Small herbivores that can use or tolerate woodland edge (such as least chipmunks, American porcupine, deer mice, white-footed mice, woodrats, and cotton-tail rabbit) will benefit from this plant community phase.

Shrubs and trees provide security and thermal cover used by elk and deer (white-tailed and mule) 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 1.1 as a source of cover during daylight hours, only emerging early/late in the day to forage in adjacent grasslands and then returning to the relative security provided by this plant community to ruminate and loaf during daylight hours. During times of drought, elk forage heavily on western snowberry found within Community Phase 1.1.

Deer utilize Community Phase 1.1 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 percent 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 less than 3 percent total dietary intake during all seasons.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site and associated plant communities provides limited 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 in or adjacent to the site. Dominated by woody species this site provides limited habitat for sagebrush lizard, short-horned lizard, plains hog-nosed snake, and plains spadefoot.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. This site receives run-on water from adjacent ecological sites. Management on Flat Bottom Wooded Draw sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, will have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from this site. 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 Chokecherry/Green Ash:
Long-term or short-term drought, coupled with low intensity fires, reduces, or eliminates green ash recruitment in the understory. This community still offers quality woodland edge vegetation; every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within the 1.0 Reference State. A predominance of woody species favors browsing ungulates, as well as migratory and resident birds that are dependent upon some degree of woody vegetation to fulfill life requisites.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1, however; abundance may decrease in more open stands.

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.

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Green Ash/Chokecherry/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses:
The invasion of exotic cool- season grasses, mainly sod forming Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome, limits green ash seedling recruitment in the understory. Since Kentucky bluegrass or smooth brome comprise less than 10 percent of the herbaceous understory, wildlife response to this change will be minimal.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. As sod-forming Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome litter cover increases, nesting sites for ground-nesting insects diminish.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. As sod-forming herbaceous ground cover replaces bare ground and leaf litter, use by understory birds (such as brown thrasher) may be negatively affected.

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 Green Ash/Chokecherry-Western Snowberry/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses:
Long periods of failed green ash recruitment in the understory allows sod-forming exotic grass species and western snowberry to increase. Wildlife response is subtle.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.1; however, the increase in western snowberry will provide an additional nectar source for pollinating insects.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, increased sunlight may promote use by some reptiles.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as 1.1; however, the increase in sod-forming exotic grass species will provide soil protection reducing run-off and sediment yield to adjacent water bodies.

Community Phase 2.3 Chokecherry–Western Snowberry/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Green Ash:
Drought, fire, heavy seasonal grazing, and/or excessive browsing by wildlife causes a reduction in density of chokecherry and other shrubs and failed recruitment of green ash. Sod-forming exotic grass species and western snowberry will increase. Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth brome comprise 20–30 percent of production. Scattered, decadent green ash exists in the tree layer, but no longer as saplings.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.1; however, the increase in western snowberry will provide an additional nectar source for pollinating insects. Sod-forming grasses will reduce site availability for ground-nesting bees.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.1; however, the scattered, decadent green ash will limit use by some canopy-dwelling birds (such as the black-billed cuckoo, gray catbird, and loggerhead shrike). Cavity-nesting birds, such as red-headed woodpecker and black-capped chickadee, may benefit.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, elk usage as a source for loafing cover during daylight hours is reduced or eliminated.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

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

Community Phase 2.4 Green Ash-Juniper:
Resulting from Community Pathway 2.3B, long periods of failed green ash recruitment along with long periods of browsing/grazing and lack of fire allows juniper to establish in the shrub, sapling, and tree layers. This phase is dependent upon seed dispersal by birds and mammals from nearby sites. A continued lack of anthropogenic or natural fire transitions to the 4.0 Invaded Conifer State (via Transitional Pathway T2B) allowing juniper to dominate the site.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, a decrease in flowering shrubs coupled with an increase in wind-pollinated conifers limits pollinating insect populations.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the reduction of the shrub understory reduces browse availability for both white-tailed and mule deer and thermal cover for other large and small mammals.

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

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

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Western Snowberry-Chokecherry/Forbs:
Long-term continuous, heavy grazing and loafing by domestic livestock (via Transition Pathway T2A) will convert Plant Community Phase 2.3 to a state invaded by exotic cool-season grasses, mainly Kentucky bluegrass. A stand-replacing fire in Plant Community Phase 4.1 also can cross the threshold to Plant Community Phase 3.1. Exotic invasive forbs, such as Canada thistle and leafy spurge, replace native forbs.

Decadent green ash and scattered chokecherry clumps may be scattered throughout this site. Mechanical treatment followed by tree and shrub seeding or planting are needed to potentially cross the threshold back to Plant Community Phase 2.3.

Invertebrates: Dominated by Kentucky bluegrass sod and exotic forbs, the number and diversity of pollen and nectar producing forbs are limited. Disturbance from loafing domestic livestock and continuous heavy grazing limits use by ground-nesting bees.

Birds: Heavy, continuous grazing results in no residual canopy cover. This, combined with a high potential for run-on water, provides limited habitat for most obligate grassland-nesting birds. Scattered, low-vigor chokecherry patches will provide limited nesting, escape, or winter cover due to excessive livestock use.

Mammals: Lacking residual cover, this short-statured community provides limited food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores. Increased exposure to weather and predators limits the value as travel corridors. Scattered, low vigor chokecherry patches will provide limited cover due to excessive livestock use.

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

Fish and Mussels: Long-term continuous heavy grazing and loafing by domestic livestock decreases infiltration and reduces residence time which increases water yield and subsequently increases runoff and nutrient-loading to adjacent aquatic ecosystems.

4.0 Invaded Conifer State

Community Phase 4.1 Rocky Mountain Juniper-Green Ash:
Resulting from Transitional Pathway T2B, the continued lack of fire and a Rocky Mountain juniper seed source from a nearby site, 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 leads to changes in soil chemistry and a change in the associated herbaceous plant community. A detritus layer of juniper needles, shade, a shallow root system, and interception of precipitation with a possible soil chemistry change (decrease in pH) can reduce or eliminate an herbaceous or forb understory. A stand-replacing fire is required to move this plant community to Community Phase 2.4 (via Restoration Pathway R4A).

Invertebrates: Flowering shrubs, such as chokecherry and buffaloberry, are outcompeted by Rocky Mountain juniper. Depending upon the degree of dominance by Rocky Mountain juniper, pollinating insects will only be supported if flowering shrubs or forbs remain within or on the edge of the plant community.

Birds: Dominated by green ash and Rocky Mountain juniper, some canopy-dwelling/nesting birds will benefit. Lack of shrub and sapling layer will limit use by forest-edge bird species that depend upon forest understory.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the reduction of the shrub understory reduces browse availability for both white-tailed and mule deer and thermal cover for other large and small mammals.

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

Fish and Mussels: Shading from Rocky Mountain juniper and green ash will increase bare soil under the tree and shrub canopy which reduces infiltration and nutrient cycling, increases runoff, and increases the potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading from the site to receiving water bodies.

Grazing Interpretations

Livestock are attracted to these Flat Bottom Wooded Draw sites for loafing and thermal protection, particularly when the site is in close proximity to water and feeding sites. These sites are also frequently utilized as winter feeding sites or chosen for supplement placement. These factors, coupled with variations in site conditions (such as canopy cover, plant composition, and annual production/utilization) often markedly reduce the grazing value for livestock. Therefore, grazing management efforts should be concentrated on adjacent sites and should be applied that enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species. This may include: (1) grazing when exotic cool-season grasses are actively growing and native cool-season grasses are dormant; (2) applying proper deferment periods allowing native grasses to recover and maintain or improve vigor; (3) adjusting overall grazing intensity to reduce excessive plant litter (above that needed for rangeland health indicator #14 – see Rangeland Health Reference Worksheet); (4) incorporating early heavy spring utilization which focuses grazing pressure on exotic cool-season grasses and reduces plant litter provided livestock are moved when grazing selection shifts from exotic cool-season grasses to native grasses.

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 or moderately slow; runoff potential for this site varies from low to medium depending upon surface texture, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception would be where exotic cool-season 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

Rocky Mountain juniper may be used for fence posts, wood mulch, rails and similar wood products.

Other products

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

Other information

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

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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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