Physiographic features

This site typically occurs on flats and shallow depressions on uplands, on flood plains, and in drainageways; it also occurs on some lake shore areas. As the landforms vary considerably, so do the parent materials. Slopes are typically less than 3 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

MLRA 55B is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are characteristic of the MLRA. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location in the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains. The air masses move unobstructed across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.

Annual precipitation ranges from 18 to 23 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 41.5° F. January is the coldest month with average low temperature ranging from about -4.3° F (Petersburg, ND) to about 2.5° F (Mellette, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 79° F (Petersburg, ND) to about 84° F (Mellette, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 64° F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this MLRA's climate. Winds average about 11 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and 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) BUTTE 5SE [USC00321225], Butte, ND

• (2) CARRINGTON [USC00321360], Carrington, ND

• (3) FORMAN 5 SSE [USC00323117], Forman, ND

• (4) HARVEY 4NE [USC00324013], Harvey, ND

• (5) LA MOURE [USC00324937], Lamoure, ND

• (6) MELLETTE 4 W [USC00395456], Northville, SD

• (7) PETERSBURG 2 N [USC00327027], Petersburg, ND

• (8) COLUMBIA 8 N [USC00391873], Columbia, SD

Influencing water features

This site most commonly occurs as a discharge site with evaporation during the growing season resulting in the accumulation of salts at or near the soil surface. During the growing season, the water table is typically within a depth of 18 inches in the spring months; it may lower to a depth >3 feet during mid-summer. Most areas of this site have endosaturation (the soil is saturated with water in all layers); however, areas of episaturation (perched water table above a subsoil layer with very slow or slow permeability) also occur. Surface infiltration rates range from very slow to moderately rapid; permeability, typically, is slow to moderately rapid. Water loss is through evapotranspiration and percolation below the root zone.

Note: Hydrology (e.g., depth/movement of water table) and water chemistry (e.g., salinity/sodicity) are the main drivers for this site. The interactions of these two drivers, coupled with management, can cause vegetation to change quickly or over long periods of time.

Some areas have wetland functions due to prolonged, near-surface saturation which supports salt-tolerant, hydrophytic vegetation. In other areas, under normal climatic conditions, soil saturation is not shallow enough to support hydrophytic vegetation.

Early in the growing season and after heavy rains, areas of this site on flats may pond as deep as 6 inches; this ponding is very brief or brief (<7 days). Areas in depressions may pond as deep as 12 inches for longer periods (>7 to >30 days). On flood plains, this site has rare to frequent flooding of brief to long duration. Areas on lake shores may be inundated periodically for extended periods.

Wetland description

Stream Type: DA6 (Rosgen System) on riparian systems.

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

Soil features

Soils associated with Saline Lowland ecological site are in the Mollisol, Vertisol, and Entisol orders. The Mollisols are further classified as Typic Calciaquolls, Cumulic Endoaquolls, and Typic Natraquolls. The Vertisols are further classified as Typic Calciaquerts, Typic Endoaquerts, and Typic Natraquerts. The Entisols are further classified as Vertic Fluvaquents and Typic Psammaquents. These soils were developed under prairie or wetland vegetation. They formed in glaciolacustrine sediments, till, or alluvium. The soils on this site are very deep. The common feature of these soils is the presence of soluble salts within the rooting zone. Soil salinity is moderate or higher (E.C. >8 dS/m).

The soils in this site are poorly drained with redoximorphic features within a depth of 18 inches. Since soil salinity is the primary factor used in identifying this site; all textures are included. Therefore, soil physical properties associated with texture vary widely. Some soils in this site also have a sodic claypan which restricts rooting depth.

Sodicity is low to high (SAR <3 to >13). Soil reaction is slightly acid strongly alkaline (pH 6.1 to 9.0). Calcium carbonate content ranges from none to high (<45%).

Areas within this site can become nearly barren due to the accumulation of salts at the surface. The soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers can be restrictive to water movement and root penetration. Salt accumulation strongly influences the soil/water/plant relationship.

Major soil series correlated to the Saline Lowland site are Arveson, Borup, Colvin, Easby, Harriet, Hegne, Lallie, Lamoure, Lowe, Ludden, Manfred, Marysland, Ojata, Ryan, and Vallers.

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

Landscape:
The MLRA 55B landscape is characterized by mostly nearly level to gently rolling till plains with some steep slopes adjacent to streams and many poorly defined drainage channels. The continental drainage divide occurs in the east central part of the MLRA. The MLRA is located within the Prairie Pothole Region with temporary, seasonal, and semi-permanent wetlands throughout the MLRA. The MLRA includes areas of eskers, kames, and ground moraines. MLRA 55B 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 American elm, bur oak, green ash, and willow species growing along the riparian zones of river systems found throughout the MLRA. 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 James, Pipestem, Maple, Goose, Sheyenne, Wild Rice, and Elm Rivers. MLRA 55B is located within North and South Dakota and within the boundaries of the Prairie Pothole Region.

Three Hydrologic Unit Areas make up this MLRA. Approximately 6% drains into the Mouse River into MLRA 55A, with the balance split between the James and Sheyenne Rivers.

By the mid-19th century, over 76% of the MLRA had been converted from mid- to tall-grass prairie to annual crop production. To alleviate crop production loss from wetlands and overland flow, a system of shallow surface ditches, judicial ditches, and road ditches removes surface water in spring and during high rainfall events. Tile drainage systems have been or are being installed extensively throughout MLRA 55B for sub-surface field drainage to enhance annual crop production.

Historic Communities/Conditions within MLRA 55B:

The northern tall- and mixed-grass prairie 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 55B, wintering along the Mouse River in MLRA 55A and migrating through MLRA 55B and into MLRA 56A. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, elk, moose, pronghorn, white-tailed deer, and large herds of American bison were historically among the inhabitants adapted to this region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammals 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 55B:

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 (aka slough sedge) are important species on wet soils. Western snowberry, leadplant, and prairie rose are commonly interspersed throughout the area.

Over 80% of MLRA 55B has been converted to annual crop production. 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; this further impacted plant and animal communities. The loss of the bison and fire as primary ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and the associated wildlife, moving towards a less diverse and more homogeneous landscape. Annual cropping is the main factor contributing to habitat fragmentation, reducing habitat quality for area- sensitive species.

Hydrological manipulation is extensive throughout the MLRA. Extensive wetland and subsurface tile drainage have taken place. Straightened segments of ephemeral and intermittent tributary streams of the James, Wild Rice, and Sheyenne River have reduced sinuosity, created oxbows, and enabled the conversion of riparian ecological sites 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 to the James and Sheyenne Rivers and their tributaries (along with lakes and reservoirs within the MLRA). Large dams on the James, Pipestem and Sheyenne rivers, along with installation of instream structures have reduced aquatic species movement within the MLRA.

National wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, state wildlife management areas, and North and South Dakota Department of Trust Lands provide herbaceous and woody cover for wildlife. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Bureau of Reclamation manage three man-made reservoirs - Jamestown Reservoir, Pipestem Reservoir, and Lake Ashtabula for flood control, also providing fish habitat and adjacent uplands for wildlife cover.

Lonetree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is the largest state managed wildlife area covering 32,800 acres. Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is the largest refuge consisting of 16,000 acres.

Characteristic wildlife species in this area are:

Birds: Common goldeye, bufflehead, broad-winged hawk, alder flycatcher, mourning warbler, mallard, blue-winged teal, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, killdeer, eastern and western kingbird, western meadowlark, 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, white-tailed jackrabbit, 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, beaver, muskrat, mink, weasel, woodchuck, and red, eastern gray and fox squirrels.

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 of species are usually larger than one ecological site or are dependent upon more than one ecological site for annual life requisites. Ecological sites offer different habitat elements as the annual life requisites change. Habitat improvement and creation must be conducted within the mobility limits of a known population for the species.

Insects play an important role in 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, 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 55B:

The following is a list of species considered “species of conservation priority” in the North Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2015) and South Dakota State Wildlife Action Plan (2014); and species listed as “threatened, endangered, or petitioned” under the Endangered Species Act within MLRA 55B at the time this section was developed:

Invertebrates: Dakota skipper, Iowa skipper, monarch butterfly, northern sandy tiger beetle, Ottoe skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, regal fritillary, yellow-banded bumble bee, and western bumble bee.

Birds: America avocet, American bittern, American kestrel, American white pelican, Baird’s sparrow, bald eagle, black-billed cuckoo, black tern, bobolink, burrowing owl, canvasback, chestnut-collared longspur, Dickcissel, ferruginous hawk, Franklin’s gull, grasshopper sparrow, horned grebe, lark bunting, LeConte’s sparrow, lesser scaup, marbled godwit, Nelson’s sparrow, northern goshawk, northern harrier, northern pintail, osprey (migration), peregrine falcon (migration), piping plover (migration), red knot (migration), sharp-tailed grouse, short-eared owl, Swainson’s hawk, upland sandpiper, western meadowlark, willet, Wilson’s phalarope, whooping crane (migration), and yellow rail.

Mammals: Arctic shrew, big and little brown bats, Franklin’s ground squirrel, northern river otter, plains pocket mouse, pygmy shrew, Richardson’s ground squirrel, and silver-haired bat.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Canadian toad, plains hognose snake, smooth green snake, and snapping turtle.

Fish and Mussels: Black sandshell, blacknose shiner, Carmine shiner, creek heelsplitter, creeper, deertoe, fragile papershell, mapleleaf, northern pearl dace, northern redbelly dace, pink heelsplitter, threeridge, trout-perch, yellow sandshell, and Wabash pigtoe.

Grassland Management for Wildlife in MLRA 55B:

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.

Ecological sites supporting a dominance of herbaceous vegetation (Loamy/Sandy) can be located adjacent to ecological sites that support medium to tall shrubs (Loamy Overflow or Loamy-Wooded State). Conversely, ecological sites that are dominated by short- to mid-statured grasses (Claypan) can be adjacent to sites with bare soil only supporting a minor amount of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).

Management of these complex ecological sites can provide a heterogeneous or a homogenous landscape. Grassland bird use reduces as the plant community transitions to a homogenous state. Managers must recognize ecological sites and the complexes in which they occur to properly manage the landscape. A management regime for one ecological site may negatively impact an adjacent site; for example, alteration of a grazing regime within the Invaded Wooded State in a Loamy ecological site to encourage understory growth may encourage exotic cool-season grasses to increase or dominate an adjacent ecological site.

Life requisites and habitat deficiencies are determined for targeted species. Deficiencies need to be addressed along community phase, transitional, and restoration pathways as presented in specific state-and-transition models. Ecological sites should be managed and restored within the site’s capabilities to provide sustainable habitat 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.

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 woody dominated plant community phases. 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/55B_Saline_Lowland_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Saline Lowland Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Saline Lowland ecological sites are poorly drained; soluble salts are present within the rooting zone (typically at the surface) and significantly impact the plant community. The surface can become nearly barren due to the presence of salts. In some soils, subsurface soil layers may be restrictive to water movement and root penetration. Associated ecological sites commonly include Limy Subirrigated, Sodic Subirrigated, Thin Claypan, Shallow Marsh, Wet Meadow, Loamy Overflow, and Sandy Claypan. This complex of ecological sites provides habitat for many edge-sensitive, grassland bird species preferring medium- to tall-statured vegetation.

Saline Lowland habitat features and components commonly support grassland-nesting birds that prefer short- to medium stature vegetation. Low diversity and density of forb species provide limited pollen and nectar resources for pollinating insects. In turn, invertebrate production is low, providing limited protein resources for grassland-nesting birds. Saline Lowland ecological sites provide forage for small and large herbivores.

Saline Lowland ecological sites may be found in four plant community states (1.0 Reference State, 2.0 Native/Invaded State, 3.0 Invaded State, and 4.0 Go-Back State) within a local landscape. Multiple plant community phases exist within States 1.0 and 2.0. Today, these states occur primarily in response to drought, fire, grazing, and non-use and other anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using Community Phase Pathways in State 1.0 to prevent further plant community degradation along the T1A Transitional Pathway to State 2.0. Native wildlife generally benefits from the heterogeneous grasslands found in State 1.0 that include grass and forb species of varying stature and density. As plant communities degrade and transition to State 2.0, foxtail barley increases while native forbs are reduced.

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 density.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Wheatgrasses-Cordgrasses-Nuttall’s Alkaligrass: These plant communities offer quality vegetative cover for wildlife; if found, every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. This phase retains high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period as well as prescribed fire. Prescribed fire frequency maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species that are sensitive to woody vegetation. Predominance of grass species in these communities favors grazers and mixed-feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

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

Dakota skippers do not prefer this site due to salinity and wetness along with limited host plants, such as little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Regal fritillary habitat is limited due to salinity and wetness and the short stature of this plant community and uncommon Nuttall’s and prairie violets. Monarch butterflies may use limited flowering forbs on this site; however, no milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Overall nectar and pollen availability are limited due to low forb diversity due the combination of salinity and wetness. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize limited forbs as a nectar source. Although bare ground is common, wetness and salinity will limit nesting.

Birds: This plant community provide limited nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short- to mid-grass-nesting birds. In association with Wet Meadow, this site may provide foraging sites for shore birds. This site provides limited hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Limited diversity of grasses and forbs provide reduced nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, jackrabbits, and white-tailed deer. This site has less diversity and shorter plant stature compared to associated sites (such as Wet Meadow, Shallow Marsh, Limy Subirrigated and Loamy Overflow). Short- to mid-statured vegetation, wetness, and salinity provide limited food and thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores.

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

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

Community Phase 1.2 Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass: Multiyear drought, with or without heavy grazing, with lack of recovery periods gives foxtail barley and other salt tolerant grasses a competitive edge. This plant community is adapted to increased salinity and is relatively stable. Every effort should be made to manage this plant community via Community Pathway 1.2A (prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods) to move back to Plant Community Phase 1.1. Improper management such as heavy continuous season-long grazing will transition this plant community to State 2.0, increasing abundance of foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and bare ground. Structural diversity and density reduce habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, heavy continuous grazing with lack of recovery periods further reduces density and diversity of pollinating forb species.

Birds: Heavy continuous grazing with lack of recovery periods gives foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and other salt tolerant grasses a competitive edge reducing density and stature of grasses.

Grassland nesting birds, favoring short statured structure, may use this plant community. Dependent upon water depth and duration, this plant community may be attractive to various shorebirds.

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

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

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

Community Phase 1.3 Bare Ground/Halophytes: This plant community phase is characterized by bare ground and halophytes. Continued heavy grazing, repeated drought, or a combination of these disturbances will shift to increased bare ground and halophytes with a reduction in perennial grasses. Moderate perennial forb stature and abundance are being replaced by short-statured halophytes. Bare ground increases and litter amounts and infiltration rates decline while soil surface temperatures increase. Although, this plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing sensitive native plant species to return to the 1.1 community phase (via Community Phase Pathway 1.3A) will take long term management.

Invertebrates: A switch to mainly halophytes will have a significant impact to invertebrates due to the reduction of season-long nectar and pollen. 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 bumble bees and other ground-nesting insects but, due to wetness and salinity, will not provide quality nesting sites.

Birds: Bare ground coupled with salinity will not provide adequate habitat for grassland nesting birds. Dependent upon water depth and duration, this plant community may be attractive to various shorebirds.

Mammals: Bare ground and the loss of grasses provides limited food, thermal cover, and escape cover for most mammals.

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

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Wheatgrasses-Cordgrasses-Nuttall’s Alkaligrass: Introduction and establishment of exotic cool-season grasses, coupled with chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing without adequate recovery periods (along Transition Pathway T1), causes native forbs to decrease in production, abundance, diversity, and richness. Bare ground has increased due to the presence of alkaligrass.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

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

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

Community Phase 2.2 Wheatgrasses-Foxtail Barley-Saltgrass: Multiyear drought (with or without heavy, long-term grazing) results in a marked decline in cordgrass and corresponding increases in foxtail barley and saltgrass.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2. Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

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

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2.

Community Phase 2.3 Bare Ground/Halophytes: This plant community phase is characterized by bare ground and grazing-tolerant exotic grasses and annual forbs. Continued heavy long-term grazing will shift this plant community to increased bare ground with exotic grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, quackgrass, and annual forbs). Native forbs may include silverleaf cinquefoil, western dock, redwool plantain, seaside arrowgrass, red swampfire, and Pursh seepweed. The forbs are mainly wind-pollinated. This plant community is resilient, retaining sufficient grazing sensitive native plant species to return to the 2.1 community phase (via Community Phase Pathway 2.3A).

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.3.

Birds: Heavy, long-term grazing increase bare ground and coupled with salinity will not provide adequate habitat for grassland nesting birds.

Mammals: Heavy, long-term grazing increases bare ground; with the loss of grasses, this plant community provides limited food, thermal cover, and escape cover for most mammals.

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

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

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs: Extended periods of non-use and no fire, or continuous season long grazing (via Transitional Pathway T2A) results in a plant community phase dominated by smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass with other species difficult to find on the site.

Restoration Pathway R3A, through prescribed burning, chemical treatment mechanical replanting, and/or high levels of grazing management, requires remnant amounts of native warm- and cool- season and forbs to be successful. The remnant native community needs frequent prescribed burns and high levels of grazing management targeting the exotic cool-season grasses to improve competitiveness and increase vigor and density. Without intensive management, the remnant native plants will not increase adequately to transition back to State 2.0. Intensified management along the R3A Pathway will have significant short-term negative impacts on wildlife habitat; however, this is necessary to restore long-term native habitat functions.

Invertebrates: Exotic grasses limits use by beneficial insects provided in States 1.0 and 2.0. Increased litter and lack of grazing leads to limited contact between plant material and mineral soil resulting in a cooler micro-climate, which is unfavorable to most insects. Lack of nectar-producing plants and native forb and grass host plants eliminates life requisites for invertebrate species of concern in MLRA 55B. Heavy continuous season-long grazing reduces forb diversity and abundance, limiting nectar and pollen availability.

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; however, winter cover must be provided by adjacent ecological sites or plant communities. Heavy continuous season-long grazing reduces or eliminates nesting cover and insect populations for food sources.

Mammals: Litter accumulation and exotic grass cover favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents. Thermal, protective, or escape cover is limited for large mammals. Heavy continuous season-long grazing reduces or eliminates thermal cover for most mammals.

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: These plant communities are the result of severe soil disturbance (such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity for a prolonged period). Following cessation of disturbances, the resulting plant community is dominated by early pioneer annual and perennial plant species. Plant species composition and production are highly variable. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. 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 Transitional Pathway R3A 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 re-established and dominate the community. Successful range planting, via Transition Pathway R4A, can result in State 2.0. Prescribed grazing and/or fire will be needed to maintain this plant community within State 2.0. Failed native range planting, along Transitional Pathway R4B, will keep this plant community within Invaded State 3.0.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Hydrological functions

Available water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. Soil salinity significantly reduces the availability of water (hinders osmosis) to plants growing on the site. Under natural conditions, this site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and C, but incudes some soils in group D. Where the natural hydrology has been altered, the soils are predominantly in hydrologic groups B/D and C/D with some soils in group A/D. Infiltration varies from slow to moderately rapid (depending upon surface soil texture and structure); runoff potential varies from negligible to low depending on soil hydrologic group, surface texture, slope and ground cover.

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

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

Recreational uses

Hunting and Bird Watching: National wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, state wildlife management areas (WMA), and North Dakota and South Dakota Department of Trust Lands provide herbaceous and woody cover for wildlife. National Wildlife Refuges and waterfowl production areas are owned and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and are available for public hunting, hiking, and bird watching. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Bureau of Reclamation manage three man-made reservoirs - Jamestown Reservoir (2,036 acres), Pipestem Reservoir (1,027 acres), and Lake Ashtabula (5,174 acres) for flood control, also providing fish habitat and adjacent uplands for wildlife cover.

Lonetree WMA is the largest state managed wildlife area covering 32,800 acres. Numerous WMAs in North Dakota and Game Production Areas in South Dakota are found within this MLRA. The largest refuges managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife service are Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex consists of 75,000 acres and Tewaukon National NWR covers 8,363 acres.

Fishing: Approximately 100 lakes are managed for public fishing within MLRA 55B. Most of these lakes offer boat docks and ramps. These lakes contain various sport fish including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, catfish, trout, crappie, and bluegill. Many of these lakes are known for excellent round-around walleye and yellow perch fishery.

Camping: Fort Ramson State Park, Pipestem Reservoir, Jamestown Reservoir, Spiritwood Lake, Clausen Springs, Little Yellowstone, Richmond Lake State Recreation Area, Mina Lake State Recreation Area, and other public and private campgrounds are found within the MLRA. Limited, primitive camping is available on wildlife management areas. Ft. Ransom State Park (North Dakota), located along the Sheyenne River has a designated horse park with 15 miles of trails.

Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding: Horseback riders, hikers, and biker can enjoy over 15 miles of multi-use trails at Fort Ransom State Park. The Jamestown Reservoir (5 miles), Pipestem Reservoir (8 miles) and Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (9.4 miles) maintain hiking trails. The Lonetree Wildlife Management Area has a 32- mile segment of the North Country Trail. It is designed for hiking and non-motorized travel including mountain bikes or horseback riding.

Canoeing/Kayaking: The Sheyenne River offers 278 miles of canoeing/kayaking from May-July. A kayak kiosk is located at Valley City and canoe/kayak rentals are available at Fort Ransom State Park. The James River has a canoe trail starting in Grand Rapids and canoeing down to the James River Dam site in LaMoure; no rentals are available.

Auto Tour: A 63-mile scenic drive starts north of Valley City and heading south through Sheyenne River Valley. Audubon National Wildlife Refuge offers a 5.5-mile auto-tour route winding through both prairie grassland and wetland habitats of the lower portion of the James River Valley.

Wood products

There are no significant wood products found on this site.

Other products

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

Other information

Site Development and Testing Plan
• Further investigation is needed on the wide range of landforms and soil textures (and associated properties) and their relationship to hydrology/plant dynamics.
-Further investigation is needed on poorly drained claypan soils included in this site as compared to other soils in the site.
• Further investigation is needed on areas of this site associated with drainageways and flood plains. Harriet and Lowe occur in drainageways as do some Marysland soils. Lamoure, Ludden, and Ryan soils occur on flood plains of streams and rivers. The impact of occasional or frequent flooding on these areas needs evaluation.
• Further investigation of areas of this site on lake shores and in shallow lake basins is needed. These areas are periodically inundated for extended periods. When many of the soil surveys were completed, these soils were not inundated; currently many of these sites are inundated and have been for many consecutive years. Major components in this site affected by recent inundation are Lallie and Minnewaukan. Some delineations of these soils have been impacted by the construction of a dike along the shores of Devils Lake protecting some areas from flooding while maintaining inundation on other areas. Along with ecological site investigations, an SDJR project is needed for these with some soil spatial data review. Spatial data revisions may be needed. MLRA map units needing investigation are:
- Lallie, saline-Minnewaukan complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes (map unit 2q5n3)
- Mauvais-Minnewaukan, saline complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes (map unit 2q5mv)
• 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:
During the recently completed Ecological Site Description update, saline phases of Aeric Calciaquolls were reassigned from Saline Lowland to the Salinized State of Limy Subirrigated. Numerous components of Bearden, Doran, Fram, Glyndon, Hamerly, and Wyndmere need to be relinked, as well as one component each of Antler and Moritz.
During the recently completed Ecological Site Description update, the Sodic Subirrigated ecological site was developed; all Stirum and Totten components need to be relinked from Saline Lowland to Sodic Subirrigated.

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

Inventory data references

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

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Contributors

David Dewald
Jonathan Fettig
Alan Gulsvig
Mark Hayek
Chuck Lura
Jeff Printz
Steve Sieler
Hal Weiser

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 4/25/2025