Physiographic features

This site occurs on sandy uplands, primarily delta plains, which have been reworked by wind into dunes. Slope typically ranges from 15 to 35 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 56A is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and relatively hot summers, low to moderate humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains and air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.

Annual precipitation typically ranges from 18 to 23 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 40°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 1°F (Pembina, North Dakota (ND) to about 11°F (Wheaton, Minnesota (MN). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 68°F (Pembina, ND) to about 73°F (Wheaton, MN). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 65°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this area's climate. Winds are estimated to average about 13 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 15 miles per hour during the spring to about 11 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.

Growth of cool season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Greening up of cool season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

• (1) VICTOR 4 NNE [USC00398652], Rosholt, SD

• (2) PARK RIVER [USC00326857], Park River, ND

• (3) GRAFTON [USC00323594], Grafton, ND

• (4) WHEATON [USC00218907], Wheaton, MN

• (5) PEMBINA [USW00014924], Pembina, ND

• (6) AGASSIZ REFUGE [USC00210050], Grygla, MN

Influencing water features

This site does not receive additional water, either as runoff from adjacent slopes or from a seasonal high-water table. Depth to the water table is deeper than 6 feet throughout the growing season. Surface infiltration and permeability through the profile are rapid. Water loss on this site occurs through percolation below the root zone and through evapotranspiration.

Soil features

Soils associated with Choppy Sands ES are in the Entisol and Mollisol orders. The Entisols are classified further as Typic Udipsamments; the Mollisols are classified further as Entic Hapludolls. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. They formed primarily in eolian sands. These soils are very deep and excessively drained. The common features of soils in this site are the sandy textures throughout and dominant slopes exceeding 15 percent. The surface layer is typically fine sand, but loamy fine sand is included. It generally is <5 inches thick, but it may be as thick as 9 inches. Some areas may have buried A horizons. The rest of the soil profile is typically fine sand, but sand is included.

Salinity and sodicity are typically none throughout the soil profile. Soil reaction ranges from slightly acid to slightly alkaline (pH 6.1 to 7.8). Calcium carbonate content is none or very low.

Wind erosion is the greatest risk. Loss of the thin soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

The major soil series correlated to the Choppy Sands site are Serden and Maddock.

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 56 landscape is characterized by a nearly level glacial lake plain bordered on the east and west by outwash plains, till plains, gravelly beaches, and dunes. MLRA 56 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 56. This area supports natural tall-grass prairie vegetation with bur oak, green ash, and willow growing in drainageways. This area is formed in silty and clayey lacustrine sediments from the former Glacial Lake Agassiz. 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 to the Red River of the North. MLRA 56 is located within the boundaries of the Prairie Pothole Region and is an ecotone between the humid east and the sub-humid west regions. The primary land use is annual cropland (~80%). The Red River Valley is known for its exceptional fertility with major crops including corn, soybeans, small grains, and sugar beets.

By the mid-19th century the majority of the Red River Valley had been converted from tall-grass prairie to annual crop production. To alleviate crop production loss from wetlands and overland flow, a system of shallow surface ditches, judicial ditches, and road ditches removes surface water in spring and during high rainfall events. The major soils are poorly drained with extensive areas of saline soils. Tile drainage systems have been or are being extensively installed throughout MLRA 56 for sub-surface field drainage to enhance annual crop production.

The east and west side of the Red River Valley formed in a complex pattern of sandy beach material, stratified inter-beach material, lacustrine silts, and lake washed glacial till. The soils vary from excessively drained on ridges to very poorly drained organic basins. Surface ditches serve to drain some of the area, although much of the area lacks adequate drainage for maximum crop production. Calcareous fens and saline seeps can occur at the base of beach ridges and result in rare plant communities. Native vegetation was mixed- and tall-grass prairie with scattered woodland and brush.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 56:

The northern tall- and mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary ecological drivers - either singly or often in combination. Frequent and expansive flooding along the Red River and its tributaries provided abundant opportunities for Native Americans to harvest wild rice. American bison roamed MLRA 56 wintering along the Red River and migrating west into MLRA 55A and 55B for parts of the season. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and large herds of roaming American bison, elk, and pronghorn 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, and smaller carnivores such as the coyote, bobcat, red fox, and raptors. Extirpated species include free-ranging American bison and gray wolf (breeding). Extinct from the region is the Rocky Mountain locust.

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 56:

MLRA 56 has the most conversion to cropland of any MLRA within Region F-Northern Great Plains. The MLRA land uses include agriculture (annual crop production, 81%), grassland/shrubland (7.3%), forestland (5.5%), wetland (4.7%), and 1.6 % in other land uses such as transportation corridors and urban areas. European influence has impacted remaining grassland and shrubland by domestic livestock grazing, elimination of fire, removal of surface and subsurface hydrology via artificial drainage, and other anthropogenic factors influencing plant community composition and abundance.

Extensive drainage has taken place. Streams have been straightened, removing sinuosity, and riparian zones have been converted to annual crop production. These anthropogenic impacts have reduced flood water detention and retention on the landscape, increasing storm water runoff, sediment, and nutrient loading to the Red River and its tributaries. The installation of instream structures has reduced aquatic species movement within the MLRA.

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 further impacting plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison and fire as primary ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife, moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape.

Included in this MLRA are the 64,769 acres of the United States Forest Service, Sheyenne National Grassland (southern portion of MLRA); 37,000 acres of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (northeastern portion of MLRA); other wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas; and numerous state parks and wildlife management areas. Two of three largest cities in North Dakota are located within the MLRA.

USDA conservation programs have seeded thousands of cropland acres in riparian zones to native herbaceous vegetation. Natural succession is replacing the planted native herbaceous vegetation to native woody vegetation re-establishing native wooded riparian areas on previously cropland. Most of the plantings have been along the Red River and its tributaries in the northern portions of the MLRA within the United States. These areas are privately owned and protected from annual agricultural production with perpetual conservation easements.

Some characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

Birds: Mallard, blue-winged teal, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, ring-necked pheasant, killdeer, eastern and western kingbird, American crow, common yellowthroat, downy and hairy woodpecker, clay-colored sparrow, vesper sparrow, Savannah sparrow, and brown-headed cowbird.

Mammals: Northern short-tailed shrew, 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, raccoon, American badger, striped skunk, white-tailed deer, North American beaver, and moose.

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

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

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

Species of Concern within MLRA 56:

The following is a list of species considered “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015); “species of greatest conservation need” in the Minnesota State Wildlife Action Plan, Conservation Focus Areas, Target Species (2015) and the South Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2014); and “species listed as threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act within MLRA 56 at the time this section was developed:

Invertebrates: Arogos skipper, Assiniboia skipper, Dakota skipper, dusted skipper, Leonard’s skipper, monarch butterfly, Poweshiek skippering, red-tailed leafhopper, regal fritillary, and Uhler’s Arctic.

Birds: American kestrel, American bittern, bobolink, American white pelican, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, chestnut-collared longspur, Dickcissel, grasshopper sparrow, greater prairie-chicken, Henslow’s sparrow, LeConte’s sparrow, loggerhead shrike, marbled godwit, Nelson’s sparrow, northern harrier, northern pintail, red-headed woodpecker, sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Swainson’s hawk, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, willet, Wilson’s phalarope, and yellow rail.

Mammals: Arctic shrew, big brown bat, eastern spotted skunk, gray fox, little brown bat, northern grasshopper mouse, plains pocket mouse, prairie vole, pygmy shrew, Richardson’s ground squirrel, and river otter.

Amphibians/Reptiles: Canadian toad, common snapping turtle, northern prairie skink, and plains hognose snake.

Fish: Blacknose shiner, blue sucker, burbot, chestnut lamprey, finescale dace, hornyhead chub, largescale stoneroller, logperch, northern pearl dace, northern redbelly dace, pearl dace, shortnose gar, sickle-fin chub, sliver chub, silver lamprey, trout-perch, and yellow bullhead.

Mussels: Black sandshell, creek heelsplitter, creeper, mapleleaf, pink heelsplitter, pink papershell, threeridge, and Wabash pigtoe.

Grassland Management for Wildlife in MLRA 56:

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

Ecological sites occur as intermingled complexes on the landscape with gradual or sometimes abrupt transitions. Rarely do ecological sites exist in large enough acreage to manage independently. Ecological sites, supporting a dominance of herbaceous vegetation (Wet Meadow, Subirrigated Sands) can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support trees (Choppy Sands and Loamy Overflow).

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

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

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

Understanding preferred vegetative stature and sensitivity to woody encroachment is necessary to manage for the specific grassland species. Various grass heights may be used for breeding, nesting, or foraging habitat. While most species use varying heights, many have a preferred vegetative stature height. The following chart provides preferred vegetative stature heights and sensitivity to woody vegetation encroachment.

To see the chart please follow the hyperlink. (
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/ND/56A_Choppy_Sands_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf )

Choppy Sands Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Choppy Sands ecological sites are located on hummocks and dunes and have slopes greater than 15 percent. They are found on various landforms including deltas and outwash plains. No significant water table or surface run-on influences vegetation production on this site. Associated ecological sites include Sands, Subirrigated Sands, Subirrigated, and Wet Meadow. The tree component within Choppy Sands ecological site tends to fragment ecological site complexes that otherwise provide habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species preferring medium- to tall-statured vegetation with little to no woody vegetation.

Dependent upon the density of bur oak, smooth sumac, and other trees and shrubs, Choppy Sands habitat features and components can support grassland-nesting birds that are tolerant to woody vegetation. Grassland nesting birds that commonly avoid woody vegetation will not have their habitat needs met when woody vegetation density exceeds their tolerance level. Insects rely on associated forbs and grasses for survival and serve as food sources for birds and their young, and forage for small and large herbivores. Although little bluestem and sideoats grama can occur, the site is too dry for Poweshiek skipperling and Dakota skipper larvae to survive. In addition, preferred nectar forbs do not occur on this ecological site. Milkweeds are available for meeting monarch butterfly habitat needs.

Choppy Sands ecological sites may be found in five plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Wooded State, and 4.0 Invaded State, 5.0 Go-Back State) within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist within State 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Today, these states occur primarily in response to precipitation (extended periods of above normal precipitation or drought), fire, grazing, non-use (lack of management) 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 the T2A Transitional Pathway to State 3.0 or T2B Transitional Pathway to State 4.0. Native wildlife generally benefits from the heterogeneous grasslands found in Community Phases 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.2. Plant communities within State 2.0 are dependent upon long term changes in precipitation with impacts compounded by grazing intensity and frequency.

Success along Restoration Pathway R4A from State 4.0 to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of a remnant native grass population and degree of management treatments applied. Managers must realize there is no restoration pathway back to State 1.0 and once the plant community reaches State 4.0, the restoration back to State 2.0 via Restoration Pathway R4A is difficult requiring active management and monitoring over extended periods of time and made not be achieved. Once established, this Community Phase 4.1 becomes very stable with only minor amounts of native species.

This concept also applies to wildlife as the target species must either be present on adjacent State 1.0 or State 2.0 plant communities or other ecological sites within the mobility limits of the species. Species with limited mobility, such as Dakota skippers, must exist near the plant community to utilize restored sites. Mobile species such as grassland-nesting birds can easily locate isolated, restored plant communities.

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.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1: Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Prairie Junegrass/Bur Oak:
This plant community offers excellent vegetative cover for wildlife and every effort should be made, when found, to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period as well as prescribed fire. Fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. Predominance of grass species in this community favors grazers and mixed-feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

Invertebrates: Insects play a role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds, reptiles, and rodents. 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. The limited occurrence of bur oak and other tree and shrub species should not impact pollinator species.

No violet species are found on this site limiting use by Regal fritillary. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs on this site; milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs as a nectar source with ample nesting site available due to the abundance of bare ground.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by mid- to tallgrass-nesting birds. Depending on density of oak trees and other trees and shrubs, grassland bird species tolerant to woody vegetation will use this site. Fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. In years with reduced precipitation or drought, nesting recruitment may be compromised. This plant community does not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse or greater prairie chicken lek sites. The oak mottes provide habitat for bluebirds, scarlet tanagers, vireos, oven bird, and cuckoos. 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, white-tailed deer, and elk. Tall- to mid-statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores. Intermingled bur oak mottes and aspen clumps provide escape, thermal, winter and parturition cover for large ungulates. During periods of extremely wet conditions, North American beaver use aspen and other trees on this site.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site provides foraging opportunities for the northern leopard frog, tree frog, and Canadian toad since this site is can be frequently found adjacent to Wet Meadow ecological sites. Northern prairie skinks and plains hog-nosed snakes will use this site since it provides sands habitat and open areas favored by these species.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not typically adjacent streams, rivers, or water bodies. This site typically does not receive run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites but may provide hydrology to Sands, Subirrigated, or Subirrigated ecological sites. Management on Choppy Sands sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, will have an indirect effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Choppy Sands 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: Sun Sedge/Sand Dropseed-Needle and Thread/Bur Oak: This plant community phase occurs during periods of prolonged drought or due to disturbances such as animal trailing or burrowing, or heavy grazing close to a water source that reduces perennial plant cover and soil surface cover. Repeated disturbances increase wind erosion resulting in a blowout condition. This plant community has transformed from a mid- to tall-grass (Community Phase 1.1) to a mid- to short-statured herbaceous community with reduced regeneration of bur oak trees.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, forb species have increased in number and diversity providing increased pollen and nectar sources and increased bare ground for ground-nesting insects.

Birds: The reduction of tall- and mid- statured grasses to mid- to short-statured grasses favors grassland nesting birds that prefer short to medium vegetative stature. The reduction in regeneration of bur oak favors grassland nesting birds that avoid woody vegetation.

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 1.3: Active Blowout/Blowout Grass-Prairie Sandreed/Pioneer Species: This plant phase is a result of a Community Phase Pathway 1.2A with a combination of prolonged drought and excess disturbance such as trailing, burrowing, or heavy grazing. This unstable plant community has large areas of bare soil subjected to extreme wind erosion. Pioneering perennial and annual vegetation dominate the site.

Invertebrates: Bare soil, active wind erosion, and a lack of forb species limits this site use by pollinating species.

Birds: Bare soil, active wind erosion, and a lack of forb species limits this site use by pollinating species.

Mammals: Bare soil, active wind erosion, and a lack of forb species limits this site use by many mammals. This plant community phase my provide limited browse for large mammals and limited forage for small mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: As this site dries out with active wind erosion, use by northern leopard frog, tree frog, and Canadian toad becomes very limited. Northern prairie skinks may still use this site.

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1: Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Prairie Junegrass/Bur Oak: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1A, due to changes in management and the presence of non-native species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Plant Community 1.1. Except for the increase of exotic cool-season grass species, this phase functions at a high level for native wildlife. However, due to a reduction in fire frequency, oak mottes and quaking aspen clumps increase in size and canopy cover. A wide array of forbs still provides nectar and pollen sources for pollinating species. Managers should consider management within the State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to avoid transitioning to State 3.0. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, an increase in the coverage of oak mottes and quaking aspen clumps, due to lack of fire, decreases habitat for grassland-nesting birds not tolerant to woody vegetation. Bird species that use and benefit from increased woodland edge habitat will increase such as bluebirds, scarlet tanagers, vireos, oven bird, and cuckoos.

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: Sun Sedge/Sand Dropseed-Needle and Thread/Bur Oak: Season-long grazing, via Community Phase Pathway 2.1A, shifts the competitive advantages to grazing tolerant short-statured grasses, grass-likes, and forbs. Prolonged periods of below normal precipitation further facilitate the transition. Soil temperatures increase with shallower rooted, short-statured blue grama and sedges combined with an increase in bare ground and an increase in the number and diversity of forbs.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

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: Active Blowout/Blowout Grass-Prairie Sandreed/Pioneer Species: This plant phase is a result of a Community Phase Pathway 2.2A with a combination of prolonged drought, excess disturbance such as livestock trailing/loafing, off-road vehicle use, or heavy grazing. This unstable plant community has large areas of bare soil (greater than 95%) subjected to wind erosion. Pioneering perennial and annual vegetation dominate the site.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

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

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

State 3.0: Wooded State

Community Phase 3.1: Smooth Sumac-Poison Ivy/Kentucky Bluegrass/Bur Oak: The elimination of fire and complete rest from grazing, via Transitional Pathway T2A, allows for the invasion of Kentucky bluegrass. The lack of repeated fire events allows smooth sumac and poison ivy to expand out from the bur oak mottes into adjacent herbaceous vegetation dominated communities. Restoration to State 2.0, via Restoration Pathway R3A, requires a combination of mechanical and herbicide application coupled with repeated prescribed burns. Reseeding of native vegetation may be necessary dependent upon the amount of native species in the site to re-establish the native plant community.

Invertebrates: The invasion of woody vegetation reduces habitat for pollinator insects within MLRA 56. Season-long pollen and nectar availability becomes limited on this site. However, woody species such as Saskatoon serviceberry, chokecherry and western snowberry provide early- to mid- season pollen sources for native and honeybees. Overall, pollinator plant diversity is low, limiting season-long nectar and pollen production.

Birds: The invasion of smooth sumac and other shrubs may cause grassland nesting birds sensitive to woody vegetation encroachment to discontinue use of this community phase. Bird species preferring woodland edge may begin to use this site.

Mammals: Shrubs will provide increased year-round cover for large mammals such as white-tailed deer. Mammals, such as porcupines, preferring woody habitat will use this site. During periods of extremely wet conditions, North American beaver use quaking aspen and other trees on this site.

Amphibians and Reptiles: The invasion of woody vegetation significantly reduces habit for Canadian toad, northern prairie skink, and plains hognose snake.

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

Community Phase 3.2: Quaking Aspen/Shrub: Continued lack of fire will shift the competitive edge to taller, faster growing trees such as quaking aspen. The aspen canopy cover shifts the understory to shade tolerant species suppressing bur oak and allowing green ash and American basswood to establish.

Invertebrates: Quaking aspen and American basswood provide excellent sources of pollen from early- to mid-season. Mid- to late-season pollen sources will be scarce on this site. Overall, pollinator plant diversity is low, limiting season-long nectar and pollen production. Lower trophic-level consumers such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders, will use woody plant material, leaves, and limited amount of grasses in contact with the mineral soil. The woody component of this site is not conducive to use by the Dakota skipper, regal fritillary, or monarch butterfly. Woody plant material is available for wood-nesting bees.

Birds: This site does not provide habitat requisites for grassland-nesting bird species due to its woody vegetation dominance. Bird species that use and benefit from woodland edge habitat, such as red-headed woodpecker, black-capped chickadee, gray catbird, American crow, and American goldfinch. American kestrel, American redstart, black-billed cuckoos, blacked-capped chickadee, blue jay, brown-headed cowbird, brown thrasher, eastern bluebird, eastern and western kingbird, eastern screech-owl, great horned owl, house wren, black-billed magpie, mourning dove, northern flicker, oven bird, red-eyed vireos, red-headed woodpecker, pileated, downy and hairy woodpeckers, red-tailed hawk, scarlet tanager, sharp-shinned hawk, wild turkey, and yellow warbler may use this plant community. This plant community provides excellent spring food (catkins), winter food (buds), and thermal cover for sharp-tailed grouse. Wildlife use increases as the depth of snow increases during the winter, thereby becoming critical to the sustainment of winter resident bird populations. The presence of woody plant species may increase mammalian and avian predation and increase brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds on adjacent grassland ecological sites.

Mammals: Trees and shrubs will provide increased year-round cover for large mammals such as white-tailed deer and elk. Mammals, such as American porcupine, cottontail rabbit, etc., preferring woody habitat will use this site. During extreme wet periods, North American beaver will use aspen.

Amphibians and Reptiles: The invasion of woody vegetation removes habitat for Canadian toad, northern prairie skink, and plains hognose snake.

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

4.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 4.1: Exotic Grasses/Leafy Spurge: Long term non-use, no fire or heavy season-long grazing gives the competitive edge to exotic grasses and/or leafy spurge via Community Phase Pathway T2B. The invasion of leafy spurge into this plant community phase changes the micro-climate of the site, shifting the plant community to a dominance of exotic cool-season grasses and forbs.

Invertebrates: Amount and availability of pollen is limited to leafy spurge or long-term overgrazing. Competition and alteration of soil microbiology caused by leafy spurge, coupled with the extensive herbicide use, eliminates all other pollinator species. Leafy spurge use by pollinating insects is limited to honeybees and only during the early- to mid- bloom period. This plant community will not provide life requisites for Dakota skippers, regal fritillary, or monarch butterflies or season-long pollen for other pollinating insects.

Birds: Grassland nesting birds will generally be negatively impacted by leafy spurge and Kentucky bluegrass. Some species, such as western meadowlark and bobolink are not significantly impacted and use leafy spurge for nesting, while Savanah and grasshopper sparrows successfully nest and fledge young from leafy spurge dominated plant communities. Long-term overgrazing creates shorter structure limiting use to grassland-nesting favoring short-statured vegetation.

Mammals: The shift from tall herbaceous cover and/or woody vegetation dominated cover as found in States 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 to Kentucky bluegrass and leafy spurge limits its use for foraging and thermal, protective, and escape cover for large herbivores. Litter accumulation favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents. If caused by long-term overgrazing, loss of litter and plant stature reduces or eliminates thermal, protective, and escape cover for most mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Increased litter from Kentucky bluegrass and increased cover from leafy spurge and Kentucky bluegrass increase shading and reduces soil temperatures. Habitat for plains hog-nose snake and northern prairie skink is reduced or eliminated.

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

State 5: Go-Back State

Community Phase 5.1: Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotic Species: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance from overgrazing, extended drought, or human disturbance (e.g. off-road vehicle use). 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 R5A 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 range planting, via Transition Pathway R5B, can result in an invaded plant community Invaded State 3.0.

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 prescribed grazing management. “Degree of utilization” is defined as the proportion of the current year’s 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

Available water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A. Infiltration is rapid; runoff potential varies from very low to medium depending upon slope percent and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Recreational uses

Hunting and Bird Watching: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages approximately 4,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuges for hiking and bird watching and approximately 24,000 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas for public hunting, hiking, and bird watching. States within MLRA 56A manage approximately 39,000 acres of wildlife management areas for multiple use including hunting, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, berry picking, and other non-motorized uses. Of the 39,000 acres, approximately 21,400 are in Minnesota with approximately 16,000 acres in North Dakota and approximately 1,700 acres in South Dakota.

In North Dakota, the United States Forest Service manages approximately 70,000 acres on the Sheyenne National Grassland for multiple uses including camping, hunting, photography, backpacking birdwatching, biking, horseback riding, and other non-motorized recreation. The Sheyenne National Grassland is also managed for livestock grazing. The Choppy Sands and Sands ecological sites dominate the Grassland. It is the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States. The grassland provides habitat for greater prairie chicken, as well as several other sensitive species (such as the Dakota skipper and regal fritillary). It also contains one of largest populations of the western prairie fringed orchid which is listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Fishing: Approximately 20 lakes are managed for public fishing in the MLRA. Most of these lakes offer boat docks and ramps. These lakes contain various sport fish including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, and bluegill. The Red River runs from south to north through the center of the MLRA. The Red River is best known for channel catfish but also has walleye, sauger, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The Red River is 550 miles long from its source in the southern end of the MLRA near Breckenridge, Minnesota to Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Between North Dakota and Minnesota, there are 32 public access points along the Red River with 18 having boat ramps.

Camping: Four state parks or recreation areas provide of modern and primitive camping facilities. Minnesota hosts the Buffalo River State Park and Red River State Park. North Dakota hosts the Icelandic State Park and Turtle River State Park. These Parks provide hiking, biking, birding, canoeing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many local parks and private parks provide modern and primitive camping opportunities. 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 the four state parks. The Grand Forks Greenway has over 22 miles of trails while municipalities along the Red River have extensive walking and hiking trails. A 30-mile segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail leads hikers through the Sheyenne National Grassland’s unique landforms and plant communities. This trail has three trailheads along its route; it is a graveled, marked trail. The entire North Country National Scenic Trail stretches from Crown Point, New York to Lake Sakakawea near Garrison, North Dakota.

Canoeing/Kayaking: The Red River has six designated canoe/kayaking trails. Public access, with limited rentals, is available at these segments. Sheyenne River Water Trail has a segment within the MLRA Sheyenne National Grasslands. Canoe/kayak rentals are available at Icelandic State Park.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

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

Other information

• Investigation is needed on the slope break of 15% between Sands and Choppy Sands. It is currently thought that the plant community and production on stable landscapes (not dunes) with slopes >15% is similar to that of dune areas. There is also uncertainty about the plant community and productivity of Serden soils (dunes) with slope <15% as compared to other soils in the Sands ecological site. The plant communities and production levels need more documentation to verify the current slope break.
• 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 Currently, the only Choppy Sands component (Serden) in MLRA 56A is linked to 56B Choppy Sands. However, more than 90% of the acres occur in North Dakota; this component should be relinked to 56A Choppy Sands.

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 State Rangeland Management Specialist; Bernadette Braun, USFS Rangeland Management Specialist; Stacey Swenson, USFS Rangeland Management Specialist; Jeff Printz, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist; Dr. Kevin Sedivec, Extension Rangeland Management Specialist; Dr. Shawn Dekeyser, North Dakota State University; Rob Self, The Nature Conservancy; Lee Voigt, NRCS Area Rangeland Management Specialist; Dr. Mark Gonzales, USFS Hydrologist; David Dewald, NRCS State Biologist; Keith Anderson, NRCS Soil Scientist, Fred Aziz; NRCS Area Resource Soil Scientist; and Steve Sieler, NRCS Soil Scientist.

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Contributors

ND NRCS: Keith Anderson, Fred Aziz, Stan Boltz, David Dewald, Jonathan Fettig, Alan Gulsvig, Mark Hayek, Chuck Lura, Jeff Printz, Steve Sieler, Lee Voigt, and Hal Weiser.

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/21/2025

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge Bernadette Braun, Dr. Mark Gonzales, Stacy Swenson, Jamie Kienzle, USFS; and Rob Self, The Nature Conservancy; for their helpful comments and suggestions.