Physiographic features

This site typically occurs on glaciated uplands. Most commonly, it is on rises on ground moraines and lake plains; on back slopes on moraines; and on side slopes of escarpments. It also occurs on flats on outwash plains. On ground moraines and moraines, the parent material is either fine-loamy or coarse-loamy till. On lake plains, the parent material is fine-silty, coarse-silty, fine-loamy or coarse-loamy glaciolacustrine sediments. On escarpments, the parent material is till or colluvium (at least 20 inches thick) over bedded shale. On outwash plains, the parent material is fine-loamy glaciofluvial deposits (at least 20 inches thick) over coarser glaciofluvial deposits. Included in this site are terraces which are no longer impacted by frequent flooding. Slopes range from 0 to 35 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

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

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

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Climate stations used

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

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

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

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

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

• (6) LEEDS [USC00325078], Leeds, ND

• (7) RUGBY [USC00327704], Rugby, ND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Influencing water features

This site does not receive additional water as runoff from adjacent slopes (it is commonly in a run-off landscape position). Neither does it receive significant additional water from a seasonal high water table. Depth to the water table exceeds 3 feet in the spring and ranges from 4 feet to more than 6 feet during the summer months. Surface infiltration is moderately slow or moderate. Saturated hydraulic conductivity throughout the profile typically is moderately high; however, in soils with contrasting substratum materials, it is very high where gravelly and moderately low where weathered shale beds occur. Water loss is through evapotranspiration and percolation below the root zone. Where this site occurs on terraces, flooding frequency is none to occasional.

Soil features

Soils associated with Loamy ES are in the Mollisol order. The Mollisols are classified further as Calcic Argiudolls, Pachic Argiudolls, Calcic Hapludolls, Typic Hapludolls, Pachic Hapludolls, Oxyaquic Hapludolls, Glossic Natrudolls (<35% clay), and Cumulic Hapludolls (>6% slope on uplands or on terraces). These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. The soils in this site commonly formed in till, glaciolacustrine sediments, or colluvium from till or residuum; a few formed in alluvium.

The common feature of soils in this site are the medium and moderately fine textures through most of the root zone (the soil forms a ribbon 1 to 2 inches long). Surface textures most commonly are loam or silt loam; but clay loam and silty clay loam are included. Also, fine sandy loam is allowable where it is <10 inches thick. Most of these soils are very deep; however, some are moderately deep (20 to 40 inches) to layers of gravel or weathered shale. They are well drained or moderately well drained where present, redoximorphic features are deeper than 3 feet.

Soil salinity is none to very slight (E.C. <4 dS/m) in the upper 20 inches; in some soils it increases to moderate (E.C 8 - <16 dS/m) in the lower subsoil and substratum. Typically, sodicity is none to low to a depth >30 inches; but in a few soils, the SAR is as high as 8 in a subsoil layer within a depth of 20 inches.

Soil reaction is slightly acid to slightly alkaline (pH 6.1 to 7.8) in the surface layer and upper part of the subsoil. It commonly increases to moderately alkaline (pH 7.9 to 8.4) in the lower subsoil; this is most commonly due to a layer of calcium carbonate accumulation, but it can also be due to increased sodicity. Where carbonate accumulation is present, this layer is typically below a depth of 12 inches. In the layer of accumulation, CaCO3 can be as much as 30 percent. In a few soils, soil reaction may be strongly alkaline (pH 8.5 to 9.0) in the lower subsoil and substratum.

The soil surface is stable and intact. These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases where vegetative cover is not adequate. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Major soil series correlated to the Loamy site are Aastad, Barnes, Cathay, Camtown, Darnen, Eckman, Edgeley, Emrick, Fordville, Forman, Gardena, Great Bend, Hamlet, Heimdal, Kensal, Lankin, La Prairie (>6% slope), LaDelle (rarely flooded), Overly, Souris, Svea, Vang, and Walsh

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

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Landscape:

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

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

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

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

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

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55A:

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

Present Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55A:

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

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

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

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

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

Some characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

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

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

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

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

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

Species of Concern within MLRA 55A:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grassland and Woodland Management for Wildlife in the MLRA 55A:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loamy Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Loamy ecological sites have no restrictions in the soil profile. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive grassland bird species. Loamy habitat features support nesting and foraging grassland birds but may be too dense and tall for sharp-tailed grouse leks. Associated ecological sites include Clayey, Limy Subirrigated, Subirrigated, Loamy Overflow, Thin Loamy, Shallow Loamy, and Wet Meadow.

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

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 community phase pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along either the Transitional Pathway T1A to Invaded State 2.0 or T1B to Wooded State 5.0. Conversion to a woody state along transitional pathway T2B, T3A, or T4A, generally benefit wildlife species that can tolerate or require woody habitat within plant community State 5.0.

As plant communities degrade within State 2.0, warm-season grasses (particularly short-statured and cool-season exotic grasses) increase while native forbs are reduced. This transition results in reduced structure, increased plant community homogeneity, and reduced insect populations resulting in a reduction of breeding, nesting, foraging, or winter habitat for grassland birds. When adjacent/intermingled ecological sites undergo the same transition, the result can be an expansive, homogenous landscape. Success along restoration pathway R3A, R4A, and R5A to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of remnant native grass populations, successful native range seeding, and/or successful woody vegetation removal.

Wooded State 5.0 provides habitat features and components which support woodland edge and interior birds and other wildlife species dependent upon trees and shrubs to meet their life requisites. Grassland-nesting birds that commonly avoid woody vegetation will not have their habitat needs met and may even avoid adjacent ecological sites dominated by grassland vegetation. A reduction in nesting success by grassland nesting birds on adjacent herbaceous sites is likely due to increase in avian predation. These forested sites provide excellent loafing, escape, and winter cover for small and large herbivores and excellent year-round habitat for American martin, snowshoe hare, elk, moose, and white-tailed deer. These sites provide habitat for many migratory passerines and year- round habitat for ruffed grouse and excellent winter cover for eastern screech owl, great horned owl, wild turkey, and non-migrating passerine birds such as black-capped chickadee and white-breasted nuthatch.

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

1.0 Reference State:

Community Phase 1.1 Green Needlegrass-Western Wheatgrass: This plant community offers quality 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 American bison, are simulated by domestic livestock. These services include putting plant material and dung in contact with mineral soil to be used by low trophic level consumers (such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, 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 Nuttall's violet and prairie violets being uncommon. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs on this site; however, few milkweed species are found on this site to support breeding and larvae development. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs for nectar and pollen and bare ground for nesting amongst bunchgrasses. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, as well as prescribed fire, to maintain the 1.1 phase, will have long-term positive effects on ground dwelling insects.

Birds: This plant community provides quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short- to mid-grass nesting birds. Plant structure may be too dense or tall for species using short-grass habitats; however, it may be used during periods of drought or management such as rotational grazing or fire, resulting in defoliation, along community phase pathway 1.1A. The low scattered shrubs present in the plant community phase should not impact woody vegetation sensitive bird species.

Grassland birds preferring mid-grass structure 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 grouse lek sites and nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Limited structure and diverse prey populations provide good hunting opportunity for grassland raptors. Many passerine species utilize MLRA 55A as a major migratory travel corridor. Grassland species sensitive to woody associations during nesting and brooding may utilize the woodier fragmented sites.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores. Short- to moderate-stature vegetation provides suitable food and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores such as ground squirrels.

Amphibians/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 habitat (such as wetlands, streams, or lakes) is adjacent or near the site.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site can be near or adjacent to wetlands (Wet Meadow ecological site), streams, rivers, or water bodies. Associated ecological sites, such as Loamy Overflow, can receive run-on hydrology from Loamy sites (out-letting into receiving waters). Management on these interconnected sites can have direct effects on aquatic species.

Community Phase 1.2 Western Wheatgrass-Needle and Thread-Blue Grama: Multiyear drought with or without heavy long-term grazing favors a decrease of cool-season grasses and in increase in warm-season grasses. Continuous season-long grazing or spring and early summer drought (coupled with grazing) could also initiate this pathway.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1 since the forb component remains similar. However, an increase in warm-season, sod-forming grasses may negatively impact ground nesting pollinator species.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the increase of short warm- season grasses favors grassland-nesting birds species preferring short- to mid-statured vegetation.

Winter cover for resident bird species, such as sharp-tailed grouse, is somewhat compromised due to the increase in blue grama grass.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State:

Community Phase 2.1 Green Needlegrass-Western Wheatgrass/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: This plant community is facilitated by long-term season-long grazing, as well as long-term non-use and no fire events (via Transitional Pathway T1A). The threshold between the states is crossed when exotic grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome, become established on the site. This plant community phase has a very similar appearance and function to the Reference State of Community 1.1, except it has a minor amount of cool-season exotic grasses and forbs. This phase functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to the Invaded State 3.0. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to State 1.0 from State 2.0.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Increase in sod-forming Kentucky bluegrass reduces bare ground availability for ground nesting bees. Although forb diversity is maintained, the amounts are reduced limiting nectar and pollen availability.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

Community Phase 2.2 Blue Grama/Sedges/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Long-term heavy grazing, with or without drought, along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A leads to shorter-statured grasses.

Dominated by shorter-stature 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 reduction of native forbs and increase in sod-forming grasses limit foraging and nesting sites for all pollinators. Continuous, heavy season-long grazing or heavy seasonal grazing may reduce ground-nesting site availability. Homogeneity of forb species may limit season-long nectar availability.

Birds: Long-term heavy grazing or severe late-season grazing will reduce nesting sites, forage (invertebrates), and cover. A reduced forb component may limit foraging opportunities. The stature is generally short, serving both mid- and short-grass nesting birds. Shortgrass-nesting birds favor this phase. Species that prefer mid-grass stature generally will be successful with normal to above normal precipitation and a change in management along the 2.2A Community Phase Pathway. In years with reduced precipitation or heavy grazing during the nesting season, use by mid-grass nesting species may be compromised. This plant community provides areas suitable for sharp-tailed grouse lek site development with limited nesting, brood, and winter cover. 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.

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

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

Community Phase 2.3 Shrubs/Forbs/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Long-term no use, no fire or very light season-long grazing with no fire enables native shrubs to become dominant. Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass may be found alone or as a mosaic across the site.

Shrubs are dominated by shorter statured shrubs but Saskatoon serviceberry, chokecherry, and silver buffaloberry may be found in this plant community phase. Continued long-term periods of non- use or very light season-long grazing, with no fire, enables native trees to dominate the site via Transitional Phase T2B. While implementation of prescribed grazing or prescribed burning results in a reduction of the shrub component moving this plant community back to Community Phase 2.2.

Invertebrates: The invasion of woody vegetation and reduction or entire loss of big bluestem reduces or eliminates habitats for all invertebrate species of concern within MLRA 55A. Season-long pollen and nectar availability becomes limited on this site. The woody shrub component (western snowberry) will provide early- to mid-season bloom period. Forbs, such a goldenrod and white heath aster, provide late season pollen and nectar opportunities. Overall, pollinator plant diversity is high providing season-long nectar and pollen production.

Birds: Grassland nesting birds sensitive to woody vegetation encroachment may discontinue use of this community phase dependent upon the density of western snowberry, Saskatoon serviceberry, chokecherry, and silver buffaloberry. Tall shrub density will also have a negative impact on grassland nesting birds not tolerant to woody species. Woody vegetation typically does not reach enough density or height to provide habitat for bird species favoring woodland edge. Brown-headed cowbird use will increase with an increase in the woody cover component of this ecological site. Increases in woody component will provide winter cover for pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse.

Mammals: Increases in woody habitat provides winter and escape cover, birthing sites, browse, etc. for large and small mammals.

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

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

3.0 Invaded State:

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Shrubs: Community Phase Pathway T2A is characterized by non-use and elimination of fire when exotic cool-season grasses are present as in Community Phase 2.0. This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance (>30%) of exotic cool-season grasses, such as smooth brome; native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community. Restoration Pathway R3A, through prescribed burning and high levels of grazing management, requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool-season grasses and forbs to be successful. The remnant native community needs frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density. Without intensive management, the remnant native plants will not increase adequately to transition back to State 2.0. Managers need to evaluate impacts to wildlife while implementing these management practices. Intensified management along the R3A Pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term native habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Exotic cool-season grasses limit use by beneficial insects provided in States 1.0 and 2.0. However, western snowberry and prairie rose may provide early season pollen and nectar sources. Increased litter and lack of grazing leads to limited contact between plant material and mineral soil resulting in a cooler microclimate, which is unfavorable to most insects. Lack of bare soil limits ground-nesting sites for native bees and other ground-nesting insects. Western snowberry and prairie rose provides early season pollen and nectar. Mid- to late-season pollen and nectar is limited due to lack of forb diversity.

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

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

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

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

4.0 Go-Back State:

Community Phase 4.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: Following cropland abandonment, these plant communities are 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, birds, and their young. Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing insect presence. Tall stature provided by some weeds, such as marsh elder and ragweed, offer 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 Restoration Pathway R4A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Over time, with no management, the exotic cool-season perennial grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass) generally become established and dominate the community. Failed native grass seeding, via Restoration Pathway R4B, can result in an invaded plant community Invaded State 3.0.

5.0 Invaded Wooded State:

Loamy ecological sites did not historically support a woody plant community. The wooded state usually exists today as a linear woody feature on a concave side slope landscape commonly referred to as a ‘woody draw’. The wooded state occurs when the Loamy ecological site is located near a seed source for woody vegetation, such as a wooded Loamy Overflow ecological site or near a wooded riparian corridor. The removal of all disturbance through Transition Pathways T2B, or T3A are the major contributors to this community phase crossing the threshold from an herbaceous plant community to a community dominated by hardwoods and shrubs. The composition of this woody plant community will be dependent upon shading (tree canopy density), management (grazing), and the amount of invasive grass and shrub species.

Successful restoration along Restoration Pathway R5A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Implementation of prescribed burning and/or chemical/mechanical brush management followed by a failed range seeding, via Restoration Pathway R5B, can result in an invaded plant community (Invaded State 3.0).

Community Phase 5.1 Green Ash-Bur Oak-Quaking Aspen: Historically, Loamy ecological sites supported small patches trees and shrubs. Today this wooded state usually exists as a linear woody feature on a concave side slope landscape commonly referred to as a ‘woody draw’. The wooded state occurs when the Loamy ecological site is located near a seed source for woody vegetation such as a wooded Loamy Overflow ecological site or near a wooded riparian corridor. The removal of all disturbance through Transition Pathways T2B, T3A, or T4A are the major contributors to this community phase crossing the threshold from an herbaceous plant community to a community dominated by hardwoods and shrubs. The composition of this woody plant community will be dependent upon shading (tree canopy density), management (grazing), and the amount of invasive grass and shrub species.

Wooded draws are an important vegetative type used by many large herbivorous mammals. Multi- level canopy, high edge-to-area ratio, and prevalence of preferred forage provides high quality wildlife habitat. Within MLRA 55A, woody draws (such as those in Phase 5.1) provide important travel corridors, security cover, foraging, loafing, and parturition (birthing) areas.

Invertebrates: Early season flowering shrubs provide pollen and nectar. However, pollinating insects will need adjacent herbaceous- and forb-dominated ecological sites for mid- to late-season pollen sources. Lower trophic-level consumers (such as invertebrate decomposers, scavengers, shredders, predators, herbivores, dung beetles and fungal-feeders) will use woody plant material, leaves, and limited amounts of grasses in contact with mineral soil.

The woody component of this site is not conducive to use by the Dakota skipper, monarch butterfly, and regal fritillary. Woody plant material is available for wood-nesting bees. These wind-protected, moist plant communities provide favorable habitat for flying insects (flies, mosquitoes, moths, etc.). Favorable climatic conditions can lead to large hatches of insects.

Birds: This site no longer provides habitat for grassland-nesting bird species due to the dominance of woody vegetation. Bird species that use and benefit from woodland edge (such as wild turkey, black- billed cuckoo, black-capped chickadee, and gray catbird, and Swainson’s hawk) can be found in this community phase. These sites provide nesting habitat for many migratory passerines and quality winter cover for sharp-tailed grouse, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, wild turkey, and non- migrating passerine birds, such as black-capped chickadee and white-breasted nuthatch. Berry producing shrubs provide late summer, fall, and winter forage for many bird species. 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: Hollow tree cavities provide denning and resting sites for American martins. Dead and mature trees provide cavities and loose bark for big brown bat, northern long-eared bat, and Townsend’s big- eared bat. Small herbivores that can use or tolerate woodland edge, such as American porcupine and cotton-tail rabbit, will benefit from this plant community phase. Shrubs and trees provide security and thermal cover used by white-tailed deer for foraging, loafing, and rearing young-of-the-year. Multi-layer shrub/tree communities provide concealment protection from predators during parturition. Plant species provide highly nutritious forage during peak lactation, one of the most energy-demanding time periods of the year for female ungulates. Winter white-tailed deer diets are dominated by chokecherry, western snowberry, serviceberry, rose, and various species of gooseberry.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This Wooded State does not provide habitat for species of conservation priority.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the wooded state can occur near or on side slopes above drainageways that are in close proximity to receiving water bodies. The bare soil found under the tree and shrub canopy may reduce infiltration and nutrient cycling. Run-off, sediment yield, and nutrient load increase from the site negatively impacting receiving water bodies.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hydrological functions

Available water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B, but includes some soils in group C. Infiltration varies from moderately slow to moderate; runoff potential varies from low to high depending upon soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception would be where short grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Recreational uses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

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

Other information

• Further investigation may be needed in areas of this site on outwash plains. The available water capacity in these areas is lower than on other areas where this site occurs. This may impact the plant community during extended, drier than normal periods.
• Further investigation is needed on occasionally flooded La Prairie soils with slopes exceeding 6 percent. No field investigation of the plant community has been completed to determine if Loamy or Loamy Overflow should be the representative ES; tentatively, these components have been assigned to Loamy. MLRA map units needing investigation are:
o Buse-Barnes-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes (map unit 2q61h)
o Buse-Barnes-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q61j)
o Esmond-Heimdal-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes (map unit 2q4jf)
o Esmond-Heimdal-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q4jg)
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model may be needed to identify disturbance driven dynamics. Additional states and/or phases may be required to address grazing response.
• Further documentation may be needed for plant communities in all states. Plant data has been collected in previous range-site investigations, including clipping data; however, this data needs review. If geo-referenced sites meeting Tier 3 standards for either vegetative or soil data are not available, representative sites will be selected for further investigation.
• Site concepts will be refined as the above noted investigations are completed.
• The long-term goal is to complete an approved, correlated Ecological Site Description as defined by the National Ecological Site Handbook.
• NASIS revisions needed:
o One major component of La Prairie with slope <6 percent is in complex with Buse and Barnes soils. This La Prairie component is currently linked to Loamy; it should probably be relinked to 55A Loamy Overflow. Future consideration to a Loamy Terrace site in MLRA 55A as there are 8 other La Prairie components (one major), 3 components of Fairdale (one major), and 3 components of LaDelle (one major) with slope <6 percent that would meet the criteria.
o Fourteen components of Hamerly and one each of Divide and Wyrene are currently linked to 53A Limy Subirrigated (Legacy); these need to be revised to 55A Limy Subirrigated.
o There are 22 components currently linked to 53A Loamy (Legacy); most of these should be relinked to 55A Loamy. A few may meet the criteria for 55A Loamy Overflow or may be linked to 54 Loamy Terrace; this will require some review.

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

Inventory data references

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

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

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Contributors

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

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/08/2025

Acknowledgments

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