Physiographic features

This site typically occurs on till plains, lake plains, outwash plains, and sand plains where they are on flats, slight rises, and on slightly convex slopes adjacent to shallow depressions. In addition, it occurs on some low terraces of drainageways; flooding on these drainageways is rare to occasional with a brief duration. The subsurface hydrology of this site has been considered more determinative of the plant community than landform or soils variability; further investigation and documentation of the landform/soils/hydrology/plant relationship is needed. Slopes are less than 3 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 55A is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of MLRA 55A. The continental climate is the result of the location of this MLRA in the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains, so air masses move unobstructed across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
 
The average annual precipitation is 17 to 19 inches (432 to 483 millimeters). The normal average annual temperature is 36⁰ to 41⁰ F (2⁰ to 5⁰ C). January is the coldest month with an average low temperature of about ⁻ 3⁰ F (⁻19⁰ C). July is the warmest month with an average high temperature of about 80⁰ F (27⁰ C).
 
About 75 percent of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season. Winter precipitation is typically snow. The annual snowfall is 25 to 50 inches (635 to 1,270 millimeters). The frost-free period averages 101 days and ranges from 108 days to 92 days. The freeze-free period averages 124 days and ranges from 128 to 119 days.
 
Growth of native cool-season plants begins in mid-April and continues to mid-July. Native warm-season plants begin growth in late May and continue to the end of August. Green-up of cool-season plants can occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.

Long-term climate data is lacking for Turtle Mountain; however, annual precipitation for the International Peace Garden averaged 27.7 inches (704 millimeters) from 1967-1970 while that for Boissevain, Manitoba averaged 17.1 inches (434 millimeters). Turtle Mountain likely has greater precipitation, cooler temperatures and less evapotranspiration than the adjacent plains.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

• (1) DRAKE 9 NE [USC00322304], Drake, ND

• (2) EDMORE 1NW [USC00322525], Edmore, ND

• (3) MINOT EXP STN [USC00325993], Minot, ND

• (4) TOWNER 2 NE [USC00328792], Towner, ND

• (5) WILLOW CITY [USC00329445], Willow City, ND

• (6) DEVILS LAKE KDLR [USW00014912], Devils Lake, ND

• (7) BOTTINEAU [USC00320941], Bottineau, ND

• (8) GRANVILLE [USC00323686], Granville, ND

• (9) HANSBORO 4 NNE [USC00323963], Hansboro, ND

• (10) LANGDON EXP FARM [USC00324958], Langdon, ND

• (11) VELVA 3NE [USC00328990], Velva, ND

• (12) WESTHOPE [USC00329333], Westhope, ND

• (13) UPHAM 3 N [USC00328913], Upham, ND

• (14) MINOT INTL AP [USW00024013], Minot, ND

• (15) LEEDS [USC00325078], Leeds, ND

• (16) MOHALL [USC00326025], Mohall, ND

• (17) ROLLA 1NE [USC00327664], Rolla, ND

• (18) RUGBY [USC00327704], Rugby, ND

• (19) CROSBY [USC00321871], Crosby, ND

• (20) BOWBELLS [USC00320961], Bowbells, ND

Influencing water features

This Limy Subirrigated site does receive additional water from a seasonal high water table. The high level of carbonates near the surface indicates that the soils formed with a dominantly upward direction of water movement through the soil. During the growing season, water table depths typically are 1.5 to 3.5 feet during April through June. As a result of evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation, the water table lowers to 4 to 6 feet during July and August. It commonly starts to rise again in the fall (commonly at 2.5 to 5 feet during September through November). Surface infiltration rates range from moderately slow to rapid. Saturated hydraulic conductivity through the profile typically is moderately high or high, but is very high in the substratum of some coarse-textured soils. Water loss on this site is through evapotranspiration.

Wetland description

Not Applicable.

Soil features

Soils associated with this site are in the Mollisol order and are classified further as Aeric Calciaquolls. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. Typically, they formed in glacial till, glaciolacustrine sediments, glaciofluvial deposits, or eolian deposits; a few formed in alluvium along drainageways.

The common features of soils in this site are a highly calcareous subsoil within a depth of 16 inches and a seasonal high water table which contributes additional water for transpiration. This site is somewhat poorly drained – redoximorphic features typically occur at a depth between 18 and 30 inches. These soils are very deep. Since sub-surface hydrology and calcium carbonate accumulation are the primary factors used in identifying this site, all textures are included. Therefore, soil physical properties associated with texture vary widely.

Soil salinity is none to slight (E.C. <8) to a depth >30 inches; sodicity is also low to that depth. Both salinity and sodicity may increase to moderate below that depth in some moderately fine to moderately coarse textured soils.

Soil reaction typically is neutral to moderately alkaline (pH 6.6 to 8.4) in the surface layer and slightly or moderately alkaline (pH 7.4 to 8.4) below. The soil is highly calcareous within a depth 16 inches. Calcium carbonate content is typically less than 15 percent in the surface layer. It is commonly 15 to 45 percent in the highly calcareous subsoil; however, in sandy soils, this layer may have 5 to 15 percent carbonates. Calcium carbonate content decreases in the substratum.

Soils on this site are moderately susceptible to highly susceptible to wind erosion. This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestaled plants. No water flow paths are seen on this site. The soil surface is stable and intact.

Access Web Soil Survey ( https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx ) for specific local soils information.

Major soil series correlated to the Limy Subirrigated site are: Bearden, Divide, Fram, Gilby, Glyndon, Hamerly, Karlsruhe, Ulen, Wyndmere, and Wyrene.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape:

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

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

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

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

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

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55A:

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

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55A:

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

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

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

The loss of the American bison and fire, as primary ecological drivers, greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape. Annual cropping is the main factor contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area-sensitive species. These influences fragmented the landscape, reduced or eliminated ecological drivers (fire), and introduced exotic species including smooth brome, Kentucky bluegrass, and leafy spurge which further impacted plant and animal communities.

Included in this MLRA are over 121,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuges and over 77,000 acres of waterfowl production areas owned and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is a 1,674-acre national wildlife refuge sitting on the south shores of Devils Lake, about 10 miles south of the city of Devils Lake. Numerous state-owned parks, state wildlife management areas, North Dakota Forest Service and Department of Trust Lands are found in the MLRA. Wakopa Wildlife Management Area is the largest WMA covering approximately 6,739 acres.

Some characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

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

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

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

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

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

Species of Concern within MLRA 55A:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mussels: Black sandshell, creek heelsplitter, creeper, mapleleaf, and pink heelsplitter.

Grassland and Woodland Management for Wildlife in MLRA 55A:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following chart provides sensitivity to woody vegetation and preferred vegetative stature heights. To see the chart follow the hyperlink:

https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/55A_Limy_Subirrigated_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Limy Subirrigated Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Limy Subirrigated ecological sites are somewhat poorly drained. They are usually found on flats, slight rises, and slightly convex slopes adjacent to shallow depressions on till plains, lake plains, outwash plains, and sand plains; they also occur on some low terraces of drainageways. This site has a persistent water table strongly influencing vegetation production. These soils typically are calcareous in the surface layer and have a highly calcareous upper subsoil; they are dominated by tall and mid warm-season grasses and forbs. Little bluestem and big bluestem are the dominant mid and tall warm-season grasses. Associated ecological sites include Saline Lowland, Wet Meadow, Loamy, Shallow Marsh, Subirrigated, Sodic Subirrigated, and Subirrigated Sands.

Limy Subirrigated habitat features and components commonly support many edge-sensitive grassland bird species preferring medium- to tall-statured vegetation. Insects rely on associated forbs and grasses for survival. High insect populations provide food sources for birds and their young. Limy Subirrigated ecological sites provide quality forage for small and large herbivores. Dakota skippers use Limy Subirrigated ecological sites in MLRA 55A.

Limy Subirrigated 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 Go-Back State, and 5.0 Salinized State). Multiple plant community phases exist within State 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. These states occur primarily in response to grazing, drought, and non-use. Secondary influences include fire and anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 community phase pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along Transitional Pathway T1A to Invaded Grass State 2.0.

As plant communities degrade within State 2.0, warm-season grasses (particularly short- statured and cool-season exotic grasses) increase while native forbs are reduced. This transition results in reduced structure, increased plant community homogeneity, and reduced insect populations resulting in a reduction of breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat for grassland birds. When adjacent/intermingled ecological sites undergo the same transition, the result can be an expansive, homogenous landscape. Success along restoration pathway R3A and R4A to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of remnant native grass populations or a successful native range seeding.

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

1.0 Reference State:

Community Phase 1.1 Little Bluestem-Big Bluestem-Needlegrasses: 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. Prescribed fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. Predominance of grass species in these communities 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. Plant structure within Plant Community Phase 2.1 is very similar to 1.1, except for the invasion of minor amounts of cool-season exotic grasses (mainly Kentucky bluegrass).

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

Dakota skippers prefer this site due to host plants, such as little and big bluestem and harebell. Regal fritillary can make use of violet species and other nectar producing forbs on these sites. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs; however, few milkweed species are found on these sites to support caterpillar food. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs as a nectar source; bare ground and nesting sites are available due to the dominance of bunch grasses. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, as well as prescribed fire, to maintain the 1.1 phase, will have long-term positive effects on ground dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid to tallgrass nesting birds. Prescribed fire maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation and limits litter accumulations. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites, but do provide quality nesting, 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, jackrabbits, and white-tailed deer. Tall- to mid-statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site can provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad since this site is frequently found adjacent to Wet Meadow and Shallow March ecological sites. It also provides habitat for the northern prairie skink and plains hog-nosed snake.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be located adjacent to streams, rivers, or water bodies. This site receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provides hydrology to Wet Meadow or Shallow Marsh ecological sites. Management on Limy Subirrigated sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, will have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Limy Subirrigated and adjacent sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the adjacent aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Needlegrasses/Forbs/Little Bluestem: This plant community phase occurs during periods of multiyear drought with or without heavy, long-term grazing. Warm season grasses decrease with a corresponding increase in cool-season bunch grasses.

Invertebrates: Heavy grazing and drought reduce nectar and pollen availability for many pollinators. A decrease in warm-season grasses (big and little bluestem host plants) may reduce use by Dakota skipper.

Birds: A decrease in tall warm-season grasses, combined with heavy grazing and drought, provides nesting habitat to species that prefer short to medium vegetative structure.

Mammals: Shorter statured vegetation reduces thermal, protective, and escape cover 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.

2.0 Native/Invaded State:

Community Phase 2.1 Little Bluestem-Big Bluestem-Needlegrasses: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1 due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses. Chronic, season-long or late fall grazing can facilitate this transition. Complete rest from grazing and no fire events can also lead to this transition.

The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.1, 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 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to the Invaded State 3.0. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0 from State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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.

Community Phase 2.2 Needlegrasses/Forbs/Little Bluestem/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Long-term heavy grazing without adequate recovery periods or non-use (along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A) reduces tall, warm-season grasses while shorter, more grazing- tolerant species increase. The reduction of vigor of warm-season grasses allows for the increase in exotic cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or quackgrass). This community phase is often found in a mosaic in the pasture in an over- grazed/under-grazed pattern typical of properly stocked pastures grazed season-long. Some areas will be impacted by heavy use while other areas will have a build-up of litter and a high amount of plant decadence. This mosaic of grazed and ungrazed areas provides a short to tall vegetative stature. Dependent upon the patch size of over-grazed vs. under- grazed, grassland nesting birds preferring short/mid-vegetative stature may prefer this plant community phase. Implementation of a prescribed grazing and prescribed burning system, via Community Phase Pathway 2.2A, will help shift the plant community back to 2.I.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1 dependent upon degree of exotic grass invasion. Invertebrates will respond to the amount of over-utilized vs. under-utilized area and the resultant vegetative stature. Reduced litter amounts on the over- utilized area will have an increase in bare ground will favor ground nesting insects. While under-utilized areas will have a decrease in bare ground for ground-nesting insects but may have more pollen and nectar producing forbs.

Birds: Dependent upon the amount of over-utilized vs. under-utilized area, vegetative stature could favor short- to tall-grass bird species.

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 Shrubs/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs: Extended periods of long-term non-use or very light grazing, and no fire, allow for shrubs (such as western snowberry prairie rose, chokecherry, redosier dogwood and willows) to dominate this site. Shade-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass dominates the understory. Warm-season, native grasses may still be present but with reduced vigor and numbers not allowing for recovery without prescribe grazing and burning via Community Phase Pathway 2.3A.

Invertebrates: The invasion of woody vegetation reduces habitat for all species of concern within MLRA 55A. Season-long pollen and nectar availability becomes limited on this site. Western snowberry and other shrubs will provide some early- to mid-season bloom period. Forbs (such as goldenrods, silverweed cinquefoil, and Flodman’s thistle) will provide limited pollen and nectar opportunities. Overall, pollinator plant diversity is low, limiting season-long nectar and pollen production.

Birds: As low-statured western snowberry and other taller shrubs become dominant on this site, grassland-nesting birds sensitive to woody vegetation encroachment will be negatively impacted and discontinue use of this community phase. Bird species favoring shrub dominated communities will increase; but birds preferring woodland edge will have limited use since only low-statured woody vegetation is available.

Mammals: Shrubs will provide increased year-round, low statured cover and browse for white-tailed deer and high litter amounts providing food and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores and larger ungulates (such as white-tailed deer).

Amphibians and Reptiles: This site no longer provides life requisites for the northern prairie skink and plains hog-nosed snake due to the dominance of shrubs.

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

3.0 Invaded State:

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs: Community Phase Pathway T2A is characterized by complete non-use and no grazing, light grazing, or heavy season-long grazing when exotic cool-season grasses are present as in Community Phase 2.0. Increase in plant litter under no use and/or no fire increase shade-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass.

Heavy grazing also favors grazing tolerant Kentucky bluegrass. This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance (>30%) of exotic cool-season grasses, such as smooth brome; native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community. Restoration Pathway R3A, through prescribed burning and high levels of grazing management, requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool-season and forbs to be successful. The remnant native community needs frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density. Without intensive management, the remnant native plants will not increase adequately to transition back to State 2.0. Managers need to evaluate impacts to wildlife while implementing these management practices. Intensified management along the R3A Pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term native habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Exotic grasses limit use by beneficial insects found in States 1.0 and 2.0. However, when western snowberry is a major component, it provides early- to mid- season pollen and nectar sources. Although forbs are a minor component in this community, they still offer mid- to late-season pollen and nectar opportunities. Increased litter and lack of grazing leads to limited contact between plant material and mineral soil resulting in a cooler microclimate, which is unfavorable to most insects. Lack of bare soil limits ground-nesting sites for native bees and other ground-nesting insects.

Birds: The homogeneous community phase, dominated by exotic plant species, provides limited habitat and life requisites for most obligate grassland-nesting birds. Lack of plant diversity and stature, along with increased litter and the tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome to lay down, limits use by many grassland-nesting birds. Sharp-tailed grouse may use this plant community for lek sites and nesting cover; western snowberry may provide winter cover, dependent upon density.

Mammals: Litter accumulation and exotic grass cover favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.3.

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

Community Phase 3.2 Shrubs/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: The long-term elimination of fire and grazing (via Community Phase Pathway 3.1A) allows for shrubs, such as western snowberry, to become a major component on this site. Shade-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass dominates the understory and warm-season; native grasses may still be present but with reduced vigor and numbers not allowing for recovery without prescribed grazing and burning (via Restoration Pathway R3A).

Invertebrates: The invasion of woody vegetation reduces habitat for all species of concern within MLRA 55A. Season-long pollen and nectar availability becomes limited on this site. Western snowberry will provide some early- to mid-season bloom period. Forbs (such as white sagebrush, silverleaf Indian breadroot, and common yarrow) will provide limited season-long pollen and nectar opportunities. Overall, pollinator plant diversity is low, limiting season-long nectar and pollen production.

Birds: Low-statured western snowberry can become dominant on this site. Dependent upon the density of western snowberry, grassland-nesting birds sensitive to woody vegetation encroachment may be negatively impacted and discontinue use of this community phase.
Bird species preferring woodland edge will have limited use since only low-statured woody vegetation is available.

Mammals: Western snowberry will provide year-round, low statured cover including parturition cover and browse for white-tailed deer and high litter amounts providing food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Depending upon the density of the woody component, amphibians and reptiles may not use this plant community as shrubs density increases.

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

4.0 Go-Back State:

Community Phase 4.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance (such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity for a prolonged period). Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing the presence of insects. Milkweed can be an early pioneering pollinator species and host plant for monarch butterflies. Tall stature provided by some annual weeds offers thermal cover and seeds throughout winter for deer, small mammals, and over-wintering birds. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

Successful restoration of native species along Transition Pathway R4A can result in a native grass and forb community in Native/Invaded State 2.0. Over time (with no management), the exotic cool-season perennial grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass) generally become established and dominate the community. Failed native grass seeding, via

Transition Pathway R4B, can result in an invaded plant community Invaded State 3.0. The Go- back State may also transition to State 5.0 Salinized State if salinity levels do not allow native grasses to establish or no native grasses are planted. Vegetation will be dominated by foxtail barley, saltgrass, and areas of bare ground.

5.0 Salinized State:

Community Phase 5.1 Foxtail Barley/Saltgrass/Bare Ground: Multiyear drought, with heavy grazing, with lack of recovery periods gives foxtail barley and other salt-tolerant grasses a competitive edge. This plant community is adapted to increased salinity and is relatively stable. No known restoration pathway or technology currently exists to restore this site.

Invertebrates: Drought, coupled with heavy continuous grazing, limits forb production, as well as nectar and pollen availability. Salinity and wetness limits ground nesting invertebrate habitat.

Birds: Structural diversity and density reduce habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds. Heavy continuous grazing with lack of recovery periods gives foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and other salt tolerant grasses a competitive edge, reducing density and stature of grasses. Grassland nesting birds, favoring short-statured structure, may use this plant community. Dependent upon water depth and duration, this plant community may be attractive to various shorebirds.

Mammals: This site is no longer favored by large herbivores and provides limited life requests for small herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Due to potential high salinity levels and wetness, this plant community does not provide suitable habitat for many amphibians and reptiles except during periods of above normal precipitation, reducing the effects of high salinity levels. Ponded water during above average precipitation events will provide foraging habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad, depending upon salinity levels. Ponded water will not be deep enough to provide breeding habitat.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, increased bare ground will yield additional sediment to nearby water bodies.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations:

This site is well adapted to managed grazing by domestic livestock. The predominance of herbaceous plants across all plant community phases best lends these sites to grazing by cattle, but other domestic grazers with differing diet preferences may also be a consideration depending upon management objectives. Often, the current plant community does not match any particular plant community (as described in the ecological site description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. Proper interpretation of this inventory data will permit the establishment of a safe, initial stocking rate for the type and class of animals and level of grazing management. More accurate stocking rate estimates should eventually be calculated using actual stocking rate information and monitoring data.

NRCS defines prescribed grazing as “managing the harvest of vegetation with grazing and/or browsing animals with the intent to achieve specific ecological, economic, and management objectives”. As used in this site description, the term ‘prescribed grazing’ is intended to include multiple grazing management systems (e.g., rotational grazing, twice-over grazing, conservation grazing, targeted grazing, etc.) provided that, whatever management system is implemented, it meets the intent of prescribed grazing definition.

The basic grazing prescription addresses balancing forage demand (quality and quantity) with available forage, varying grazing and deferment periods from year-to-year, matching recovery/deferment periods to growing conditions when pastures are grazed more than once in a growing season, implementation of a contingency (e.g., drought) plan, and a monitoring plan. When the management goal is to facilitate change from one plant community phase or state to another, then the prescription needs to be designed to shift the competitive advantage to favor the native grass and forb species.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and C. Infiltration varies from moderately slow to moderately rapid; runoff potential varies from negligible to low for this site depending on hydrologic group, surface texture, 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 shortgrasses form a dense sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Hydrological manipulation (surface or tile drainage, pumping, surface water diversion, etc.) modifies this ecological site. Under natural conditions, this Ecological Site includes a wide range of soil textures; after hydrologic manipulation, soil texture often becomes a more significant factor in vegetative response. If the degree of manipulation allows soil texture to influence the plant community or if altered soil properties (i.e., salinization or the addition of fill material) results in vegetation change, a transition to a completely different ecological site may have occurred. The transition to an altogether different ecological site will depend upon severity of altered hydrology, soil properties, and corresponding vegetation. Due to the many variables (e.g. hydrology, success and type of drainage, etc.), impacts to the Ecological Site will be site-specific. As a result, each situation will require field investigation to determine what, if any changes in Ecological Site designation is necessary and proceed accordingly.

Without restoring hydrologic function (which may include range seeding), managers need to reference state and transition models within those sites. Hydrology will need to be fully restored in Wet Meadow and Shallow Marsh ecological sites in order for these sites to properly function. It is recommended that managers review the appropriate State and Transition Models prior to wetland restoration.

Recreational uses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wood products

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

• Further investigation is needed on the wide range of soil textures and associated properties and their relationship to hydrology/plant dynamics.
• Further investigation in need on areas of this site associated with drainageways. Divide soils occur on some low terraces of drainageways. Moritz soils occur along the outer edges of some channeled drainageways. The impact of occasional flooding on these areas needs evaluation.
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model may be needed to identify disturbance driven dynamics. Additional states and/or phases may be required to address grazing response.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data; however, this data needs review. If geo-referenced sites meeting Tier 3 standards for either vegetative or soil data are not available, representative sites will be selected for further investigation.
• Site concepts will be refined as the above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o During the recently completed Ecological Site Description update, saline phases of Aeric Calciaquolls were reassigned from Saline Lowland to the Salinized State of Limy Subirrigated. Numerous components of Bearden, Fram, Glyndon, Hamerly, and Wyndmere need to be relinked, as well as one component of Moritz.
o Components of the Mauvais soil series need to be re-linked to the Limy Subirrigated ES; they are currently linked to the Subirrigated ES.
o Fourteen components of Hamerly and one each of Divide and Wyrene are currently linked to 53A Limy Subirrigated (Legacy); these need to be revised to 55A Limy Subirrigated.

This ESD is the best available knowledge. The site concept and species composition table have been used in the field and tested for more than five years. It is expected that as additional information becomes available revisions may be required.

Inventory data references

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

Those involved in developing this site description include: Stan Boltz, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Dave Dewald, NRCS State Biologist; Jody Forman, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Jeff Printz, NRCS State Range Management Specialist; Kevin Sedivec, Extension Rangeland Management Specialist; Shawn Dekeyser, North Dakota State University; Rob Self, The Nature Conservancy and Lee Voigt, NRCS Range Management Specialist.

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Contributors

ND NRCS: David Dewald, Jonathan Fettig, Alan Gulsvig, Mark Hayek, Chuck Lura, Jeff Printz, Steve Sieler, and Hal Weiser

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/08/2025

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge Tom Pabian, Upper Souris River National Wildlife Refuge manager for making the refuge available for field work in developing the ESD.