Physiographic features

This site typically occurs in depressions on uplands – till plains, lake plains, outwash plains, and eolian sand plains; it also occurs in drainageways, on concave areas of flood plains, and on lake beaches. The parent materials vary widely. Slope is less than 3 percent.

Landform: pothole, depression, flat, drainageway, floodplain, lake beach

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) BOTTINEAU [USC00320941], Bottineau, ND

• (2) LEEDS [USC00325078], Leeds, ND

• (3) RUGBY [USC00327704], Rugby, ND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Influencing water features

This site is poorly drained. Many areas of this site receive additional water as surface runoff from adjacent uplands. Under normal climatic conditions, the soils in depressions are frequently ponded in April and May and occasionally ponded in June. Depth of ponding typically is less than 1.5 feet during these months. In mid and late summer, ponded water commonly is not evident except after heavy rains. Ponding is commonly rare on flats, but where adjacent to depressions, it may be occasional. Where present, ponding is less than 1 foot deep and of brief duration. Soils in this site occurring on flood plains have rare, brief to frequent, long flooding. On lake beaches, periodic inundation occurs with fluctuating lake levels.

When not ponded, a seasonal high water table typically fluctuates with precipitation events between the surface and a depth of 1.5 feet during the months of April through Jun and is typically within a depth 3.5 feet through the remainder of the growing season. Some of the soils in this site have endosaturation (apparent water table) and some have episaturation (perched water table above a subsoil layer with low or moderately low saturated hydraulic conductivity).

Surface infiltration ranges from slow to rapid. Saturated hydraulic conductivity typically ranges from moderately low to high; some soils have a coarser-textured substratum with very high saturated hydraulic conductivity. Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration.

Wetlands receive water from different sources including ground water movement. Recharge wetlands (Wet Meadow) have groundwater flow predominantly away from the wetland moving toward or into a discharge wetland basin. Flowthrough wetlands have groundwater flowing away from the wetland basin but is balanced with water flowing into the basin.

Due to the potential high rate of surface evaporation, areas of this site without frequent ponding are at risk of becoming saline (Saline Lowland) if vegetative cover is reduced or removed.

Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration and lateral movement into (and evaporation from) adjacent soils. During periods of drought or extreme wetness, water table fluctuations will also have an impact on depth of ponding, especially in sandy soils. During periods of drawdown (e.g. prolonged drought), soil and water chemistry may significantly impact the soil/water/vegetation dynamics of the site (see Site Development and Testing Plan).

Fluctuations in specific conductance are less pronounced during average or normal water conditions than during periods of excessive water depth or extreme drought. The approximate normal and extreme range in specific conductance (micromhos/cm3) of surface water in plant communities that are indicators of differences in average salinity are as follows:

Plant Community Normal Range (micromhos/cm3 Electroconductivity (dS/m)
Fresh <40 - 500 0.5
Slightly brackish 500 - 2,000 0.5 to 2.0
Moderately brackish 2,000 - 5,000 2.1 to 5.0
Brackish 5,000 - 15,000 5.1 to 15.0
Sub-saline 15,000 - 45,000 15.1 to 45.0
Saline 45,000 -100,000 > 45.0

Soils in these depressions are considered temporary wetlands; however, during wetter than normal climate cycles, these soils may have seasonal ponding.

Wetland description

Wetland Description: System Subsystem Class Sub-class
Cowardin, et. al., 1979 Palustrine N/A Emergent Persistent

Soil features

Soils associated with Wet Meadow ES are in the Mollisol, Entisol, and Vertisol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Argiaquic Argialbolls, Typic Argiaquolls, Typic Calciaquolls, Cumulic Endoaquolls, and Typic Endoaquolls. The Entisols are classified further as Typic Psammaquents and Vertic Fluvaquents. The Vertisols are further classified as Typic Calciaquerts, Typic Endoaquerts, and Typic Epiaquerts. These soils were developed under wetland vegetation. They formed in till, glaciolacustrine sediments, glaciofluvial deposits, eolian deposits, local alluvium from till, and in flood plain alluvium; some formed in beach deposits.

The common feature of soils in this site are ponding or near-surface saturation in the early part of the growing season. The soils are very deep and poorly drained. Some are in depressions and potholes that are ponded from April and May, some are on low-flying flats which have prolonged saturation in the spring, and some are on flood plains with frequent, brief, or long flooding. Since hydrology (surface and sub-surface) is the primary factor 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 dS/m) to a depth of >20 inches; in some soils it increases to moderate (E.C. 8-16 dS/m) in the lower subsoil and substratum. Sodicity is none or slight in the upper part of the soil; it is none to moderate in the substratum. Soil reaction typically is moderately acid to moderately alkaline (pH 5.6 to 8.4); but a few soils may be strongly alkaline (pH 8.5 to 9.0) in the substratum. The calcium carbonate content is none to high.

This site should show no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestaled plants. The soil surface is stable and intact. In some soils, sub-surface layers are non-restrictive to water movement; in other soils a layer of clay accumulation slows water movement and prolongs surface ponding. The soil/water/plant relationship is strongly influenced by ponded/and or saturated conditions.

Major soil series correlated to the Wet Meadow site are Arveson, Borup, Colvin, Fargo, Fossum, Hamar, Hegne, Kratka, Lallie, Lamoure, Lindaas, Lowe, Ludden, Marysland, Minnewaukan, Perella, Tiffany, Tonka, Vallers, and Verendrye.

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

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 the MLRA 55A

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

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

Management of these ecological site complexes challenges managers to properly manage the entire landscape. A management strategy for one ecological site may negatively impact an adjacent site. For example, grazing Upland Hardwood Forest or Loamy 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 please follow the hyperlink:

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

Wet Meadow Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Wet Meadow ecological sites are poorly drained soils located in depressions, on low-lying flats, and on floodplains. Associated ecological sites include Limy Subirrigated, Loamy Overflow, Saline Lowland, Loamy, Sodic Subirrigated, Subirrigated Sands, Subirrigated, and Shallow Marsh. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species preferring short- to tall-statured vegetation.

Wet Meadow habitat features and components commonly support grassland-nesting birds, notably birds utilizing wetland vegetation habitats (such as Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrow) and sedge wren. Sharp-tailed grouse use this site for wintering and escape cover. Insects rely on associated forbs and grasses for survival and serve as food sources for birds and their young, and as forage for small and large herbivores.

Wet Meadow ecological sites may be found in seven plant community states within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist within this ecological site dependent upon water levels, saturation, water and soil chemistry, and management. Today, these states occur primarily in response to precipitation (extended periods of above average precipitation or drought), water chemistry, fire, grazing, non-use, and other anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along Transitional Pathways to invaded plant communities of other States. Native wildlife dependent upon shallow wetlands, as found in the Wet Meadow ecological site, generally benefit from the heterogeneous grasslands/graminoids found in Community Phases in States 1.0 and 2.0. Plant communities within State 2.0 are dependent upon long-term changes in precipitation (compounded by grazing intensity and frequency). The transition to wetter or drier conditions results in a plant community that is either taller (wetter) in stature, such as Plant Community Phase 2.1 Sedges/Prairie Cordgrass or shorter (drier) in stature, such as 2.3 Foxtail Barley/Mountain Rush-Spikerush/Bare Ground.

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 sufficient quality to support a sustainable population density.

Hydrological manipulation (surface or tile drainage, pumping, surface water diversion, etc.) modifies this ecological site’s functions, having a significant negative impact to wetland dependent wildlife (such as invertebrates, amphibians, and water birds). 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 for these sites to properly function. It is recommended that managers review the appropriate State and Transition Models prior to wetland restoration.

1.0 Reference State:

Community Phase 1.1 Sedges/Prairie Cordgrass: This plant community offers quality vegetative cover for wetland 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 maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for wetland bird species sensitive to woody vegetation.

Invertebrates: Insects play a role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds, wetland birds, and rodents. This plant community contains a variety of forbs providing season-long pollen and nectar. However, due to wet soils, ground nesting pollinator species do not prefer this site. Dakota skippers, regal fritillaries, or monarch butterflies will use this site when swamp milkweed, New England aster, or goldenrods occupy this site.

Wet Meadow ecological sites provide habitat for a diverse suite of aquatic invertebrates providing an important trophic link between macrophytes and vertebrates that depend upon them as food. Rapid warming during spring snowmelt allows the invertebrate population to flourish. The vegetative structure provided by shallow vegetated wetlands increase the abundance of aquatic invertebrates compared to less vegetated sites.

Birds: This plant community provides nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tallgrass-nesting birds especially those species preferring wetter (hydric) habitats (such as Nelson’s sparrow, black tern, northern harrier, sedge wren, American avocet, Wilson’s phalarope, etc). This site provides waterfowl pair bonding sites, early season invertebrate food sources, and early season shorebird habitat. The rapid warming during spring snowmelt provides water birds an abundant invertebrate protein source for egg laying.
Prescribed fire maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites or nesting habitat. However, it does provide winter cover and escape habitat and brood-rearing habitat. This site provides good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors, especially northern harrier.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including arctic and pygmy shrew, rodents, jackrabbits, white-tailed deer, and elk. Tall- to mid-statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores. In addition, it provides foraging opportunities for raccoon, skunks, coyotes, and other mammals that use wetlands and wetland edges for food resources.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site can provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad. Dependent upon the duration of surface water, this site may provide breeding habitat. Successful egg-laying and tadpole development habitat is dependent upon depth and duration of ponded water.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. This site receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provides hydrology to shallow ground water and other surface waterbodies. Management on Wet Meadow sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-off sites, will have a direct effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Wet Meadow 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 Fowl Bluegrass/Spikerushes-Mountain Rush/Forbs: This plant community phase occurs during periods of below average precipitation, lowering the water table. The lower water table allows the plant community to shift towards upland species (such as switchgrass and mid-statured grass-likes, mountain rush, and spike rushes). The forb community remains robust favoring pollinator insects. This plant community provides a food source for grassland nesting birds.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below average precipitation allows for increases in forbs which provides increased pollen and nectar sources and increased bare ground for ground- nesting insects. The diverse suite of aquatic invertebrates found in Community Phase 1.1 is reduced and may only be found in spring during periods of snowmelt runoff.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, decreased surface water reduces invertebrate production and use by waterfowl and shorebirds. The drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below average precipitation provides additional opportunities for grassland nesting birds that use mid-to tall-statured herbaceous vegetation found in a mesic vs. hydric habitats.

Mammals: A mix of wetland and tall-statured vegetation provides thermal, protective, escape, and winter habitat for a big game animals and other small herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below average precipitation removes saturated soil and/or ponded water. Use by northern leopard frog and Canadian toad will decrease. This plant community may provide foraging, but breeding habitat will be lost for egg-laying and tadpole development without ponded water.

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

2.0 Native Invaded State:

Community Phase 2.1 Sedges/Prairie Cordgrass: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1 due to changes in management and the presence of non-native species (such as reed canarygrass, redtop, Kentucky bluegrass, field sowthistle and Canada thistle). This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Plant Community 1.1 with a wide array of forbs providing nectar and pollen sources for pollinating species. Managers should consider management within the State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to avoid transitioning to other states within this ecological site.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

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

Community Phase 2.2 Fowl Bluegrass/Spikerushes-Mountain Rush/Forbs: This plant community phase occurs with heavy season-long grass coupled with periods of below average precipitation, lowering the water table. Grazing tolerant rush and spikerush species increase while prairie cordgrass and sedges decline.

Invertebrates: Heavy season-long grazing does not allow flowering plants to recover, limiting pollen and nectar resources for bees and other pollinating insects. In addition, a shift from perennial to annual forbs reduces season long pollen and nectar sources for pollinating insect species. Prolonged periods of reduced precipitation favor ground nesting pollinators; however, increased compaction from mechanical impacts or increased livestock presence negatively impacts ground nesting pollinator opportunities. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2. In addition, the drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below average precipitation provides additional opportunities for grassland nesting birds that use mid-to short-statured herbaceous vegetation found in a mesic vs. hydric habitats.

Mammals: A shift to mid- to short-grass species and drier soil conditions reduces habitat for large mammals, such as white-tailed deer, while still providing vegetative cover for small mammals. Thermal, escape, and winter cover becomes limited for larger ungulates.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

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

Community Phase 2.3 Foxtail Barley/Mountain Rush-Spikerushes/Bare Ground: This plant community phase occurs with heavy season-long grazing, coupled with periods of below average precipitation, lowering the water table with increasing salinity. Grazing tolerant foxtail barley begins to dominate the site. Grazing tolerant rush and spikerush species increase along with bare ground.

Invertebrates: Pollinator friendly forbs decrease as salinity and foxtail barley increase, limiting pollen and nectar availability. Bare ground increases but few ground nesting species, if any within MLRA 55A, use saline soils for nesting sites. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. In addition, the drying of the soil during periods of prolonged, below average precipitation provides additional opportunities for grassland nesting birds that use short-statured herbaceous vegetation found in a mesic vs. hydric habitats.

Mammals: A shift to short-grass species and drier soil conditions reduces habitat for large mammals, such as white-tailed deer, while still providing vegetative cover for small mammals. Thermal, escape, and winter cover is no longer provided for larger ungulates.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

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

3.0 Wooded State:

Community Phase 3.1 Willows: The elimination of fire or mechanical disturbance, via Transitional Pathway T2, allow for sandbar and Bebb willow species to dominate this site. Shade tolerant sedges and rushes dominate the understory. Restoration to State 2.0 (via Restoration Pathway R3A) requires a combination of mechanical and herbicide application coupled with repeated prescribed burns.

Invertebrates: The invasion of woody vegetation reduces habitat for pollinator insects within MLRA 55A. Season-long pollen and nectar availability is limited on this site due to an understory of sedges and rushes. However, willow species provide an early season pollen source for native and honeybees. Overall, pollinator plant diversity is low, limiting season- long nectar and pollen production.

Birds: Dependent on degree of invasion by willow, grassland nesting birds which are sensitive to woody vegetation encroachment will discontinue use of this community phase. Shrub-tolerant grassland birds may continue to use this site. Willow species provide thermal and escape cover for year-long residents. Willow thickets provide habitat for brown-headed cowbirds, increasing nest parasitism on adjacent grassland nesting bird communities.

Mammals: Shrubs will provide increased year-round cover for white-tailed deer, moose, and elk. Mammals, such as porcupines, that prefer woody habitat will use this site.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Willow species should not impact use of this ecological site by the Canadian Toad.

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

4.0 Invaded Saline State:

Community Phase 4.1 Foxtail Barley/Exotic Grasses/Exotic Forbs: This plant community phase occurs during periods of below average precipitation lowering the water table and increasing salinity. Coupled with increased animal impact, disturbance-tolerant non-native species (such as foxtail barley, quackgrass, Canada thistle, and field sowthistle) dominate this plant community phase. Foxtail barley will dominate with increased salinity. Extended periods of above average precipitation along Restoration Pathway R4A can move this plant community back to State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Canada thistle and field sowthistle provide mid- to late-season pollen. This plant community has a low diversity with limited early- to mid-season forbs. Bare ground increases but few ground nesting species, if any within MLRA 55A, use saline soils for nesting sites. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.3.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.2.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

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

5.0 Invaded/Fresh Water State:

Community Phase 5.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Exotic Forbs/Sedges-Rushes: This plant community phase occurs during periods of below average precipitation lowering the water table with water chemistry remaining fresh. Coupled with increased animal impact, disturbance-tolerant non-native species (such as quackgrass, Canada thistle, and field sowthistle) dominate this plant community phase. Foxtail barley will not dominate the site unless water chemistry increases in salinity. Extended periods of above average precipitation along Restoration Pathway R5A can move this plant community back to State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Canada thistle and field sowthistle provide mid- to late-season pollen. This plant community has a low diversity with limited early- to mid-season forbs. Bare ground increases for ground nesting species. This shift to drier soil conditions reduces or eliminates aquatic invertebrates.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.2.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.2.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

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

6.0 Invaded/Eutrophication State:

Community Phase 6.1 Hybrid Cattail or Reed Canarygrass: Eutrophication and sedimentation of the site, often due to tillage on or adjacent to the site, transitions this plant community to one dominated by hybrid cattails or exotic strains/hybrids of reed canarygrass. Hybrid cattail or reed canary grass generally develop into monotypic stands out-competing other grasses, graminoids or forbs. Extended periods of above average precipitation along with mechanical treatment, sediment removal, prescribed burning, and reseeding (via Restoration Pathway R6A) can move this plant community back to State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Saturated to ponded soils favor aquatic invertebrates. Monotypic stands of hybrid cattail or reed canarygrass limit forb species, providing a decrease in pollen and nectar sources for insects. Restoration efforts, including prescribed grazing, can reduce hybrid cattail and reed canarygrass while increasing forb diversity. The initial flush of forbs may be Canada thistle and field sowthistle resulting from restoration efforts, especially prescribed grazing.

Birds: Monotypic stands of hybrid cattail or reed canarygrass reduce water bird use. LeConte’s and Nelson’s sparrow and yellow rail favor this plant community. American bittern may use this site. Restoration efforts, including prescribed grazing, can reduce hybrid cattail and reed canary grass; this increases open water providing foraging and breeding habitat for dabbling ducks and shore birds including a food source of aquatic invertebrates.

Mammals: Monotypic stands of hybrid cattail or reed canarygrass provide winter cover for large herbivores including white-tailed deer and moose. Depending on degree of ponding or saturation, this plant community may provide season-long escape cover for white-tailed deer. This plant community provides foraging opportunities for raccoon, skunks, coyotes and other mammals that use wetlands and wetland edges for food resources. Tall- to mid- statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

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

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

7.0 Go-Back State:

Community Phase 7.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics Community: Following cropland abandonment, these plant communities are dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable, but will consist of Canada thistle, field sowthistle, other annual weeds (dock, smartweed, barnyard grass, etc.), quackgrass, foxtail barley, slough grass, and pioneering spikerush species. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing insect presence. Tall stature provided by some weeds offers thermal cover and seeds throughout winter. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as wetland restoration, sediment removal, prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

Successful wetland restoration and seeding of native species along Transition Pathway R7A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Management activities within State 2.0 are needed to avoid a transition out of State 2.0. Unsuccessful wetland restoration or unsuccessful native forb and grass seeding may lead to States 4.0, 5.0 or 6.0 (dependent upon site hydrological modifications and restoration, salinity, and other site related issues).

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 entirely match any particular plant community (as described in the ecological site description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. Proper interpretation of this inventory data will permit the establishment of a safe, initial stocking rate for the type and class of animals and level of grazing management. More accurate stocking rate estimates should eventually be calculated using actual stocking rate information and monitoring data.

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

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

Grazing levels are noted within the plant community narratives and pathways in reference to grazing management. “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

Under unaltered hydrologic conditions, the site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D; where significantly impacted by drainage practices, these soils are in hydrologic group A/D, B/D, or C/D depending upon soil texture. Infiltration varies from slow to rapid; runoff potential varies from negligible to low for this site depending on 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, change in ecological site designation is necessary and proceed accordingly.

Without restoring hydrologic function (which may include range seeding), managers need to refer to reference state and transition models within those sites. Hydrology will need to be fully restored in Wet Meadow and Shallow Marsh ecological sites 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 areas of this site associated with flood plains. Ludden soils occur on flood plains of the Souris River. Lowe soils occur in upland drainageways. Lamoure soils occur as minor components on flood plains of streams and rivers. The impact of occasional or frequent flooding on these areas needs evaluation. MLRA map units needing investigation are:
o Fairdale loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded (map unit 2q56z)
o Lowe loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded (map unit 2q56h)
o Lowe-Fluvaquents, channeled complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (map unit 2q56j)
o Ludden silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded (map unit 2q4g1)
o Ludden silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded (map unit 2q4g1)
o Ludden-Fluvaquents, channeled complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (map unit 2q56m)
• Further investigation of areas of this site on lake shores and in shallow lake basins is needed. These areas are periodically inundated for extended periods. When the progressive soil surveys were completed, these soils were not inundated; currently many of these areas are inundated and have been for many consecutive years. Spatial data revisions may be needed. Major components in this site affected by recent inundation are Lallie and Minnewaukan. Some delineations of these soils have been impacted the construction of a dike along the shores of Devils Lake protecting some areas from flooding while maintaining inundation on other areas. The MLRA map units needing investigation are:
o Lallie silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes (map unit 2q551)
o Minnewaukan loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes (map unit 2q553)
• Further investigation is needed on the wide range of landforms and soil textures (and associated properties) and their relationship to hydrology/plant dynamics.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data. 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.
• 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.
• 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 Thirteen components of Tonka, three of Vallers, and one each of Kratka, Marysland, Regan, and Tiffany are currently linked to 53A Wet Meadow (Legacy); these need to be relinked to 55A Wet Meadow.

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