Physiographic features

The Thin Claypan ecological site is located on hillslopes, ridges, alluvial fans and flats, and terraces on level to moderately steep landforms associated with badlands. Slope gradients range from 0 to 25 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 58C is considered to have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common and characteristic of the MLRA. 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.

Annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 17 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 41° F. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of about 17° F. July is the warmest month with an average temperature of about 70° F. The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is 53° F. This large temperature range attests to the continental nature of the MLRA 58C climate. Wind speeds average about 11 miles per hour, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime wind speeds are generally stronger than nighttime wind speeds, and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.

Growth of native cool-season plants begins in late March and continues to early to mid-July. Native warm- season plants begin growth in mid-May and continue to the end of August. Greening up of cool-season plants can occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

• (1) WATFORD CITY 14S [USC00329246], Grassy Butte, ND

• (2) MEDORA 7 E [USW00094080], Fairfield, ND

• (3) TROTTERS 3 SSE [USC00328812], Beach, ND

• (4) CARLYLE 13 NW [USC00241518], Wibaux, MT

• (5) AMIDON [USC00320209], Amidon, ND

Influencing water features

No significant water features influence this site. A seasonal water table is typically deeper than 4 feet throughout the growing season. In a few soils, the water table may be as shallow as 3.5 feet early in the spring; however, the root-restrictive claypan layer and soil salinity prohibit the plants from benefiting from subirrigation. Surface infiltration ranges from very slow to moderate. Permeability through the claypan subsoil is very slow or slow. Water loss is through evapotranspiration and percolation below the root zone. After a heavy precipitation, water may briefly pond (<3 inches) on the surface of areas with <1 percent slope that are also barren of vegetation.

Soil features

Soils associated with the Thin Claypan ES are in the Mollisol, Entisol, and Alfisol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Aridic Leptic Natrustolls and Leptic Torrertic Natrustolls. The Alfisols are classified further as Aridic Leptic Natrustalfs and Aridic Natrustalfs. The Entisols are classified further as Aridic Ustorthents and Torrertic Ustorthents. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. They formed in residuum or alluvium derived from residuum. The soils on this site are moderately deep to very deep and are well drained or moderately well drained.

The common feature of most soils in this site is a dense, sodic, root-restrictive claypan subsoil. The texture of the subsoil ranges from fine sandy loam to clay. The depth to the claypan is <6 inches. Accumulated salts occur within a depth of 16 inches. The surface layer is commonly a light-colored, leached, E horizon. Also included are highly sodic soils without a claypan subsoil; the sodium content significantly affects the plant community. Surface textures (range from fine sandy loam to clay. Some soils have soft sedimentary bedrock (shale, siltstone) as shallow as 20 inches. Soils on terraces may have gravelly layers in the lower substratum. In some soils, the claypan is not evident but a dense layer due to the accumulations of sodium may be present (e.g., Benz and Vanda).

In soils with a claypan, soil reaction typically is slightly acid to slightly alkaline (pH 6.1 to 7.8) in the surface layer. The subsoil and substratum range from slightly alkaline to very strongly alkaline (pH 7.4 to >9.0). In soils without a claypan, soil reaction typically ranges from moderately alkaline to very strongly alkaline (pH 7.9 to 9.6) throughout the profile. Soil salinity typically is moderate or strong (E.C. >8 dS/m) within a depth of 16 inches, but slight salinity (E.C. 4 to 8 dS/m) is allowable. Sodicity is typically high (SAR >13) within a depth of 6 inches. Calcium carbonate content ranges from low to high (0 to 30 percent).

Wet surface compaction can occur with heavy traffic. Cryptobiotic crusts, including nostoc, are present. These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Major soil series correlated to the Thin Claypan site are Benz, Bullock, Gerda, Ladner, Scairt, and Vanda.

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

Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape:

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

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:

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

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 58C:

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

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

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

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

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

Species unique to the MLRA:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Species of Concern within the MLRA:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grassland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thin Claypan Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Thin Claypan ecological sites are identified by the presence of a root-restrictive claypan within a depth of 6 inches and salt accumulations within a depth of 16 inches. These soil conditions severely limit available water capacity, making the site very droughty. In addition, the depth to claypan will cause a mosaic of non-vegetated (slickspots) with vegetated areas within the ecological site, creating a mosaic of short- and mixed grass habitat components that commonly support grassland-nesting birds. This mosaic of slickspots and vegetated areas occurs in all States. In addition, Thin Claypan sites can occur in a complex with Claypan ecological sites. These sites may provide lek sites and brood-rearing habitat for sharp-tailed grouse but limited nesting sites or winter 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.

Thin Claypan will support Wyoming big sagebrush but is a minor component (0-2 percent by weight) of the plant community. Big sagebrush productivity and survival is limited by the shallow depth to claypan; it is a fire-intolerant, non-sprouting shrub easily eliminated from the plant community from fire events. Other associated ecological sites include Badland Fan, Clayey, Claypan, Limy Residual, Loamy, Shallow Loamy, and Very Shallow. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species.

Thin Claypan ecological sites may be found in five plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, 4.0 Shortgrass State, and 5.0 Go-Back State) within a local landscape. Within each of these states, slickspots (as described in Community Phase 1.5) occur in patches of varying size scattered across the ecological site. Multiple plant community phases may exist within each state. Today, these states occur primarily in response to grazing and drought. Secondary influences include anthropogenic disturbances, black-tailed prairie dogs, and fire.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage the land using tools in the community phase pathways in States 1.0 and 2.0 to prevent further plant community degradation (along either the T1A Transitional Pathway to the Native/Invaded State 2.0 or the T2A Transitional Pathway to the Invaded State 3.0 thresholds). Native wildlife generally benefits from grasslands that are heterogeneous in species composition and stature found in States 1.0 and 2.0 that include diverse grass and forb species with varying stature and density. As plant communities degrade within State 2.0, warm-season grasses (particularly short-statured grasses) increase while native forbs are reduced. This transition results in reduced stature and increased plant community homogeneity. When adjacent and/or intermingled, ecological sites undergo the same transition, the result can be an expansive, homogenous landscape.

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

Plant Community Phase 3.1 shows dramatically increased homogeneity of exotic cool-season grasses and further reduction in native forbs. Reduced forb diversity limits insect populations, negatively affecting grassland-nesting bird foraging opportunities. Increased exotic grass litter can limit access to bare ground to nesting insects and can limit mobility by small chicks. A homogenous grassland landscape does not provide quality escape or winter cover. As a result, many species are not able to meet life requisites.

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 Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama/Shrubs:
This plant community offers good wildlife habitat; 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. 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 mirrored 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 shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles, and fungal-feeders).

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to limited host plants, such as little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to short stature of this plant community and Nuttall's and prairie violets are uncommon. Monarch butterflies may use flowering forbs on this site; however, few milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Bumblebees and other native bee utilize forbs as a nectar source and bare ground for nesting amongst bunchgrasses. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods (as well as prescribed fire) to maintain the 1.1 Phase has little effect on nests of ground-dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short- to midgrass-nesting birds. Plant stature is conducive for burrowing owl, long-billed curlew, chestnut-collared, and McCown’s longspur. However, areas of slickspots provide bare soils which limit nesting, foraging, and winter cover. This plant community provides areas suitable for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites. Big sagebrush productivity and survival is limited by the shallow depth to claypan; it is a fire-intolerant, non- sprouting shrub easily eliminated from the plant community from fire events. This site should not be managed for Wyoming big sage.

Several species of grassland birds that prefer short- to mid-grass stature will use this site. In years with reduced precipitation or drought, nesting recruitment may be compromised. This plant community provides suitable areas for sharp-tailed and sage grouse lek sites, nesting, and brood-rearing habitat. Limited stature and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, pronghorn, and deer (white-tailed and mule). Short- to moderate-statured vegetation provides suitable food and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores such as the hispid pocket mouse.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site and associated plant communities provides habitat for smooth green snakes. This ecological site can provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Great Plains toad if freshwater habitats (such as stock water ponds) are located in or adjacent to the site. Silver sagebrush provides habitat to support sagebrush lizard; however, due to the lack of rocky and/or sandy soils, neither the sagebrush lizard nor short-horned lizard may use this ecological site. This ecological site provides limited habitat for the plains hog-nosed snake (prefer sandy soils) and plains spadefoot (prefer gravelly or sandy soils).

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not directly associated with streams, rivers, or water bodies. Management on these interconnected sites will have limited, secondary effects on aquatic species.

Community Phase 1.2 Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs:
Long-term drought with or without heavy grazing will lead to a marked increase in blue grama with a corresponding decrease in western wheatgrass.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, heavy continuous grazing may negatively impact ground-nesting sites for bumblebees, other native bees, and other ground- nesting insects due to reduction of forbs, timing of forb flowering, or increased soil compaction.

Birds: This plant community provides nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short- to midgrass-nesting birds. A shift to shorter herbaceous plant statures and a short shrub component along Community Phase Pathway 1.1A begins to benefit McCown’s longspur, chestnut-collared longspur, horned lark, and burrowing owl. Species that prefer midgrass statures will be generally successful with normal to above-normal precipitation and a change in management along the 1.2A Community Phase Pathway. In years with reduced precipitation or heavy grazing, nesting recruitment may be compromised even for shortgrass-nesting species. This plant community provides areas suitable for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites. Limited cover and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, stable food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals is reduced.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.3 Blue Grama/Cactus/Annual Forbs/Bare Ground:
Short-statured grasses will dominate with continued heavy grazing, repeated drought, short-term prairie dog occupation, or a combination of these disturbances. Perennial grasses and forbs are reduced in stature and abundance.

Invertebrates: Reduction in forbs (stature and abundance) will reduce nectar availability for foraging insect populations. Continued heavy grazing may negatively impact ground-nesting sites for bumblebees, other native bees, and other ground-nesting insects due to reduction of forbs, timing of forb flowering, or increased soil compaction. However, prairie dog burrows may provide nesting sites for bumblebees.

Birds: This plant community provides nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by shortgrass-nesting birds. A shift to shorter plant stature (along Community Phase Pathway 1.2B) benefits McCown’s longspur, chestnut-collared longspur, horned lark, and burrowing owl. However, the shift to increased bare ground, cactus, and bare ground reduce the value of this site for sharp-tailed lek sites. Species that prefer a midgrass stature may be successful with normal to above-normal precipitation and a change in management along the 1.3A Community Phase Pathway. In years with reduced precipitation or heavy grazing, nesting recruitment will be compromised for midgrass-nesting species. Limited cover and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Suitable food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals becomes limited. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including rodents, white-tailed jackrabbits, and deer. Grazers, such as pronghorn and bison, use prairie dog towns for foraging and loafing.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.4 Annual Forbs/Bare Ground/Blue Grama/Fetid Marigold:
Long-term prairie dog occupation shifts this plant community to grazing-tolerant species and annual forbs (e.g., fetid marigold) with a reduction in perennial grasses. Moderate perennial forbs stature and abundance are being replaced by short-statured annual forbs. Bare ground increases and litter amounts and infiltration rates decline while soil surface temperatures increase. This plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing sensitive native plant species to return to the 1.2 or 1.3 community phases via Community Phase Pathway 1.4A and 1.4B, respectively.

Invertebrates: A switch to annual forbs from perennial forbs may reduce season-long nectar producing plants for pollinators. Season-long nectar sources may be found on adjacent plant communities or ecological sites for mobile species. Increased bare ground provides increased nesting sites for bumblebees and other ground-nesting insects.


Birds: This very short-statured phase, driven by short-term prairie dog occupation, is favored by burrowing owls, chestnut-collared, and McCown’s longspur. Prairie dog towns provide abundant prey populations for grassland raptors. The lack of grass and forb stature limits use by many bird species. Managing this phase along Community Phase Pathway 1.4A can be an economical and successful method to restore habitat for many grassland-nesting birds. This plant community phase may not be suitable for sharp-tailed or sage grouse lek sites.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals becomes limited. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including rodents, white-tailed jackrabbits, and deer. Grazers, such as pronghorn and bison, use prairie dog towns for foraging and loafing. Managing this phase along community phase pathway 1.4A and 1.4B can be an economical and successful method to restore habitat.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.5 Bare Ground/Nostoc/Brittle Pricklypear:
This community phase is dominated by bare ground (slickspots) with minimal or no vegetative cover, creating a mosaic with vegetated areas. These slickspot areas will pond water for very brief duration (4 hours to 2 days) after a precipitation event. Community Phase 1.5 provides limited habitat for invertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, or fish and mussels. This plant community is almost always found in a mosaic with vegetated areas, providing varying degrees of vegetative cover.

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama/Shrubs: This plant community develops through Transition pathway T1A, due to changes in management (chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing or complete long-term rest) and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses. The threshold between states 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, crested wheatgrass, annual bromes, smooth brome, or other exotic species become established. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.1. However, Community Phase 2.1 has a minor amount of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs. This phase functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to State 3.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 2.2 Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs:
Heavy, continuous grazing along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A leads to shorter-statured grasses, such as blue grama. Dominated by shorter-statured grasses and a loss of nitrogen-fixing or leguminous native forbs, the diversity of this plant community is reduced. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods along Community Phase Pathway 2.2A is an efficient, effective method to regain the cool-season grass and forb diversity components in Community Phase 2.1.

Invertebrates: The loss of native forbs and increase in sod-forming grasses limit foraging and nesting sites for all pollinators. Continuous, heavy late season or heavy, season-long grazing may reduce ground- nesting site availability. Homogeneity of forb species may limit season-long nectar availability.

Birds: Heavy, continuous grazing reduces nesting sites, forage (invertebrates), and cover. Plant stature is generally short, serving both mid- and shortgrass-nesting birds. Shortgrass-nesting birds favor this phase. Species that prefer a midgrass stature will be generally successful with normal to above-normal precipitation and a change in management along Community Phase Pathway 2.2A. In years with reduced precipitation or heavy grazing during the nesting season, use by midgrass-nesting species may be compromised. This plant community provides areas suitable for sharp-tailed grouse lek site development. Limited stature and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover (reduction in litter) for most mammals become limited. The loss of diversity of grasses and forbs reduces nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jack rabbits, pronghorn, and deer.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 2.3 Western Wheatgrass/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses:
Community Phase Pathway 2.2B is characterized by complete rest or light utilization (less than 20%) grazing and elimination of fire when exotic cool-season grasses are present as in Community Phase 2.2. Plant community diversity is reduced with a decline of deeper-rooted native species being replaced by shallow-rooted exotic cool- season grasses with increased plant litter. This plant community is on the cusp of crossing the threshold to the 3.0 Invaded State. The most effective method to regain diverse cool-season grass and forb components in Community Phase 2.3 is prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods between grazing to shift the competitive edge to native species along Community Phase Pathway 2.3A. Every effort should be used to manage within Community Phase Pathway 2.3A to avoid crossing the threshold into State 3.0. Restoration Pathway R3A requires intensive management and economic inputs to successfully cross back to State 2.0.

Insects: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.2. The loss of native forbs and increase in sod-forming grasses limit foraging and nesting sites for all pollinators. Homogeneity of forb species may limit season-long nectar availability. Litter buildup, resulting from complete rest or light utilization, may reduce ground-nesting site availability.

Birds: An increase in cool-exotic cool-season grasses move this plant community toward homogeneity. Native grasses still dominate this plant community; however, the increase in cool-season exotic grasses reduces plant stature. With reduced amounts of native grasses and forbs, reduced plant stature, and increased litter, bird species shift from mid- to short-grass species. Sharp-tailed grouse may still use this plant community for leks and brood rearing; however, winter cover must be provided by adjacent ecological sites or plant communities. Management for bird species that prefer mid-statured grasses should follow Community Phase Pathway 2.3A.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.2.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 2.4 Annual Forbs/Bare Ground/Blue Grama/Fetid Marigold:
This plant community is a result of ecological services provided by long-term black-tailed prairie dog occupation coupled with the introduction of exotic cool-season grasses and annual forbs. Utilizing one or more tools in community phase pathway 2.4A (e.g., removal of black-tailed prairie dogs, control of exotic perennial forbs, implementation of prescribed grazing) can move this community back to phase 2.1; but this may require significant management and economic inputs. Black-tailed prairie dogs provide primary ecological services to transition to and maintain Plant Community Phase 2.4.

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

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

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

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 2.5 Bare Ground/Nostoc/Brittle Pricklypear:
Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.5.

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses-Annual Bromes:
Community phase pathway T2A is characterized by non-use (10 or more years) or low intensity (less than 20 percent utilization) grazing and elimination of fire. This plant community phase can also be the result of prairie dog removal from plant community phase 2.4. This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance (more than 30 percent) of exotic cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, crested wheatgrass, smooth brome, and annual bromes). However, due to the low productivity of this site, native grasses (such as western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and bearded wheatgrass) are still present. Restoration pathway R3A requires remnant amounts of native warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses, and forbs. These remnant populations can only be expressed through frequent prescribed burns and high levels of prescribed grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses. Intensified management along the R3A pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.2. The lack of nectar-producing plants limits forage opportunities for bumblebees, regal fritillary, monarch butterfly, and other pollinating species.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.2.

Mammals: Black-tailed prairie dog expansion is possible in this plant community phase. This community phase provides foraging habitat for pronghorn and deer. Litter accumulation favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents. However, reduced availability of native grass seed may reduce food availability for species such as the hispid pocket mouse.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 3.2 Bare Ground/Nostoc/Brittle Pricklypear:
Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.5.

4.0 Shortgrass State

Community Phase 4.1 Lesser Spikemoss/Sandberg Bluegrass/Bare Ground:
Cessation of cropping (relatively short cropping period coupled with the presence of lesser spikemoss) initiates this plant community phase. Lesser spikemoss can cover 25 percent or greater of the area, while sod-forming grasses, such as blue grama, can create dense sod. A limited number of species of perennial forbs (such as white heath aster, purple locoweed, scarlet globemallow, silverleaf Indian breadroot, curlycup gumweed, and common yarrow) provide season-long bloom periods for pollinator species.

Invertebrates: Dense sod of club moss and blue grama/Sandberg bluegrass limits ground-nesting sites for native bees and other ground-nesting insects. The lack of pollinator plant species diversity limits forage opportunities for bumblebees, regal fritillary, monarch butterfly, and other pollinating species.

Birds: Club moss and blue grama and/or Sandberg bluegrass sod provides a short-statured plant community favoring grassland-nesting birds that prefer short-statured vegetation. This plant community provides favorable habitat for chestnut-collared and McCown’s longspurs. A reduced forb component may limit foraging opportunities.

Mammals: Suitable food, thermal, shelter, and escape cover for most mammals becomes limited.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 4.2 Bare Ground/Nostoc/Brittle Pricklypear:
Provides similar secondary resources benefits as Community Phase 1.5.

5.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 5.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance (such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity for a prolonged period). Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds and for their young.

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

Grazing Interpretations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hydrological functions

Available water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D; a few soils are in group C. Infiltration ranges from slow to very slow; runoff potential for this site varies from low to very high depending on surface texture, slope shape, slope percent, and ground cover. The dense claypan layer slows water movement through the soil profile. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for higher infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, Kentucky bluegrass, crested wheatgrass, annual bromes, and/or smooth brome will result in reduced infiltration and increased 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

No appreciable products available on this site.

Other information

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

Inventory data references

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.

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Contributors

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

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 4/21/2025

Acknowledgments

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