Physiographic features

This site typically occurs on flats, swales, and shallow depressions on low-relief uplands – till plains, lake plains, outwash plains, and eolian sand plains; it also occurs on some lake beaches and flood plains. Slopes typically are less than 3 percent; slope shape is typically concave.

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

Under normal climatic conditions, this site typically has no wetland functions; however, it can be closely associated with wetland sites (such as Wet Meadow). During prolonged wetter than normal periods, some wetland functions (a predominance of hydrophytic vegetation and ground water recharge) may be evident where this site occurs in shallow depressions.

The Subirrigated site does receive additional water from a seasonal high-water table (endosaturation). During the growing season, water table depths typically are 1.5 to 3 feet during April through June. In mid-summer through autumn, the water table lowers a depth to 3 to 5 feet due to evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation. Surface infiltration ranges from moderately slow to rapid. Permeability through the profile typically ranges from slow to rapid, but it is very rapid in the substratum of some coarse-textured soils. Water loss is primarily through evapotranspiration. During mid-summer, particularly during drier than normal cycles, percolation below the root zone may also occur.

Due to the low relief landscape that typically surrounds this site, additional water received as runoff from adjacent uplands is not a major factor in the soil/hydrology/plant relationship except for the few areas where this site occurs as a minor component on flood plains. There, additional water may be received from stream overflow.

Soil features

Soils associated with Subirrigated ecological site are in the Mollisol, Entisol, and Vertisol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Typic Endoaquolls, Cumulic Endoaquolls, Aquic Hapludolls, Aquertic Argiudolls, and Pachic Argiudolls. The Entisols are classified further as Typic Psammaquents and Aquertic Udifluvents. The Vertisols are classified further as Aquic Hapluderts. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. They formed in glacial till, glaciolacustrine sediments, glaciofluvial deposits, eolian deposits, or alluvium.

The common features of soils in this site are a seasonal high-water table which contributes additional water for transpiration and surface and upper subsoil layers which are leached of calcium carbonates. The soils are somewhat poorly drained - redoximorphic features typically occur at a depth between 18 and 30 inches; however, soils with redox features as shallow as 10 inches are included. Depth to a highly calcareous layer (strong or violent effervescence) is >16 inches. Since sub-surface hydrology is the primary factor used in identifying this site, all textures are included. Therefore, soil physical properties associated with texture vary widely.

Soil salinity is none or very slight (E.C. <4 dS/m) and sodicity is typically low (SAR <3) to a depth >24 inches. Both salinity and sodicity may increase in the substratum of some soils. Soil reaction typically is moderately acid to moderately alkaline (pH 5.6 to 7.8) to a depth >16 inches. At a depth below 16 inches, many soils increase to moderately alkaline due to a layer of calcium carbonate and/or sodium accumulation. The CaCO3 content in that layer may be as high as 30 percent.

The soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers are non-restrictive to water movement and root penetration.

Major soil series correlated to the Subirrigated site are Bantry, Delamere, Doran, Garborg, Kindred, Lamoure, and Wyard. A somewhat poorly drained taxadjunct of Sinai is also included in the site.

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 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 minor amounts of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).

Management of these complex ecological sites can provide a heterogeneous or a homogenous landscape. Grassland bird use 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 of ecological sites 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_Subirrigated_Narrative_FINAL_Ref_FSG.pdf

Subirrigated Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Subirrigated ecological sites are somewhat poorly drained and usually found on flats and swales on till plains, lake plains, and sand plains. This site has a persistent seasonal water table of 1.5 to 3.5 feet below the surface strongly influencing vegetation production. The upper part of the subsoil immediately below the surface layer does not contain carbonates making the site very productive and dominated by tall warm-season grasses and forbs. Associated ecological sites include Limy Subirrigated, Clayey, Sands, Sandy, Loamy, Subirrigated Sands, and Wet Meadow.

Subirrigated habitat features, components, and associated ecological sites provide habitat for many edge-sensitive, grassland bird species preferring medium- to tall-statured vegetation. Insects rely on associated forbs and grasses for survival and serve as food sources for birds and their young, and as forage for small and large herbivores.

Subirrigated 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, non-use, and other anthropogenic disturbances.

Because there is no known restoration pathway from State 2.0 to State 1.0, it is important to intensively manage using tools in State 1.0 and State 2.0 Community Phase Pathways to prevent further plant community degradation along Transitional Pathway T2A to State 3.0. Native wildlife generally benefits from the heterogeneous grasslands found in States 1.0 and 2.0 that include diverse grass and forb species of varying stature and density. As plant communities degrade within State 2.0, Kentucky bluegrass increases, while native forbs are reduced. When Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30%, the site transitions to 3.0 Invaded State. This transition results in reduced stature and increased plant community homogeneity. When adjacent and/or intermingled ecological sites undergo the same transition, the result can be an expansive, homogenous landscape.

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

Success along Restoration Pathways R3A from State 3.0 to State 2.0 is very difficult and is dependent upon presence of a remnant native grass population and intensive management. This concept also applies to wildlife, as the target species must either be present on adjacent State 1.0 or State 2.0 plant communities or ecological sites within the mobility limits of the species. Species with limited mobility, such as Dakota skippers, must exist near the plant community to utilize restored sites. Mobile species such as grassland-nesting birds can easily locate isolated, restored plant communities. In addition, a successful range planting using selected plant materials, herbicides, and management, via R3A, may restore Plant Community Phase 3.1 to Native/Invaded State 2.0. Intensive management using prescribed grazing and prescribed fire will be required to keep the plant community within Native/Invaded State 2.0 to avoid transitioning to Invaded State 3.0.

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

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Big Bluestem-Switchgrass: This plant communities offers quality vegetative cover for wildlife; every effort should be made to maintain these ecological sites within this community phase. These community phases retain high functionality through continued maintenance including prescribed grazing with adequate recovery period as well as prescribed fire. Prescribed fire maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. Predominance of grass species in this community favors grazers and mixed feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds.

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

Dakota skippers prefer these sites due to host plants (such as little bluestem, big bluestem, and wood lily). Violet species are not common on this site, not supporting the needed habitat for the regal fritillary. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs on this site; milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs as a nectar source; however, bare ground and nesting sites are limited due to the dominance of sod-forming grasses. 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: These plant communities provide quality nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by tallgrass-nesting birds. To limit litter accumulations, prescribed grazing and/or prescribed fire maintains a grass-dominated plant community providing habitat for bird species sensitive to woody vegetation. These plant communities do not provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites, but do provide excellent nesting habitat, brood-rearing, and escape habitat. These sites provide good hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, rodents, jackrabbits, white-tailed deer. Tall- to mid-statured vegetation provides excellent food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site can provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad since this site is frequently found adjacent to associated Wet Meadow ecological sites. These sites do not provide habitat for the northern prairie skink and plains hog-nosed snake as vegetative cover may be too dense and the site in general is too wet for these two species.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not commonly located adjacent to streams, rivers, or water bodies. This site receives run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provides hydrology to Wet Meadow ecological sites. Management on Subirrigated sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, will have an indirect effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit sediment and nutrient loading to the adjacent or nearby aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Wheatgrasses-Canada Wildrye/Forbs: This plant community phase occurs with multiyear drought with/without heavy long-term grazing. The tall, warm-season component is reduced in vigor and replaced by cool-season grasses with an increase in forbs.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Although forbs may increase these forbs, generally, do not increase nectar and pollen availability for pollinating insects.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the increase of cool- season shorter statured-grasses and the decrease in tall warm-season grasses favors grassland- nesting birds species preferring mid-statured vegetation.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. However, the loss in the tall warm-season grass component reduces loafing and thermal cover for large ungulates.

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

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

Community Phase 1.3 Prairie Cordgrass-Switchgrass-Fowl Bluegrass: Above average prescription results in wetter soils allowing prairie cordgrass and fowl bluegrass to increase with a corresponding reduction in big bluestem.

Invertebrates: Depending upon water depth, if any, aquatic invertebrates may be present. A reduction in forb abundance reduces used by pollinating insects.

Birds: Although wetter than Community Phase 1.1, ponded water may not provide sufficient water for water birds or waterfowl. This plant community will provide similar life requests for grassland nesting birds as Community Phase 1.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Wetter soils with potential shallow ponded water, may provide amphibians short-term transitory habitat.

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

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Big Bluestem-Switchgrass: 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 plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1A due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses. Lack of fire and chronic season-long or late fall grazing can facilitate this transition. The threshold between States 1.0 and 2.0 is crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or other exotic species become established. 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.

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 Wheatgrasses-Canada Wildrye/Forbs: Heavy season-long grazing, without adequate recovery during the growing season along Community Phase Pathway 2.1A, favors mid- statured, cool-season grazing tolerant species markedly reducing the amount of big bluestem and switchgrass in the plant composition. The reduction of vigor of warm-season grasses allows for the increase of exotic grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and quackgrass). Implementation of prescribed grazing and prescribed fire via Community Phase Pathway 2.2A may transition this plant community to Plant Community Phase 2.1. This community phase is approaching the threshold to cross over to Invaded State 3.0 and needs to be intensively managed to remain in State 2.0.

This community phase is often found in a mosaic in the pasture in an overgrazed/ undergrazed pattern typical of properly stocked pastures grazed season-long. Some areas will be impacted by heavy use while other areas will have a build-up of litter and a high amount of plant decadence. This mosaic of grazed and ungrazed areas provides a short to tall vegetative stature. Dependent upon the patch size of overgrazed vs. undergrazed, grassland nesting birds preferring short/mid-vegetative stature may prefer this plant community phase.

Invertebrates: Reduced litter amounts with slight increase in bare ground will favor ground nesting insects. However, heavy season-long grazing may negative impact forb diversity reducing season- long pollen and nectar sources.

Birds: A shift to mid- statured grazing tolerant species markedly reduces the amount of big bluestem and switchgrass in the plant composition. Birds species favoring mid-statured vegetative structure will favor this plant community phase. However, dependent upon the amount of overgrazed vs. undergrazed area, vegetative stature could favor mid- to tall-grass bird species. This site still provides reduced nesting, brooding, thermal, and escape cover compared to Plant Community Phase 2.1.

Mammals: A shift to mid-statured grazing tolerant species markedly reduces thermal, protective, and parturition cover for large ungulates. However, dependent upon the amount of overgrazed vs. undergrazed area, vegetative stature could provide thermal, protective, and parturition cover for large ungulates.

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 Prairie Cordgrass-Switchgrass-Fowl Bluegrass: Above average prescription results in wetter soils allowing prairie cordgrass and fowl bluegrass to increase with a corresponding reduction in big bluestem.

Invertebrates: Depending upon water depth, if any, aquatic invertebrates may be present. A reduction in forb abundance reduces used by pollinating insects.

Birds: Although wetter than Community Phase 2.1, ponded water may not provide sufficient water for water birds or waterfowl. This plant community will provide similar life requests for grassland nesting birds as Community Phase 2.1.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 2.1.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Wetter soils with potential shallow ponded water, may provide amphibians short-term transitory habitat.

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

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Exotic Forbs: Community Phase Pathway T2A is characterized extended periods of non-use and no 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 grasses limit 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 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 provide early- to mid-season pollen and nectar sources while forbs mainly provide late season pollen and nectar sources.

Birds: Dominated by exotic cool-season grasses, bird species that prefer short-statured vegetation may use this plant community. However, lack of grazing and fire increase litter and the tendency of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome to flop (lay down) which limits use by many grassland-nesting birds. Western snowberry and prairie rose increase, providing early season invertebrates as a food source for grassland bird species. The woody component of this plant community limits it’s use as sharp-tailed grouse lek sites, but it may provide nesting, brood and winter cover.

Mammals: Litter accumulation and exotic grass cover favors thermal, protective, and escape cover for small rodents. Depending on the density of shrubs, this plant community can provide birthing, escape, and thermal cover for large ungulates.

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 3.2 Shrubs/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: A marked increase in non-use management and active fire suppression since European influence has enabled woody vegetation to expand and become more widespread. This phase is often dominated by willows but may contain a variety of shrubs including western snowberry, rose, white meadowsweet, and/or redosier dogwood. Plains cottonwood and quaking aspen may also be present, and Russian olive is known to invade the site. The herbaceous vegetation is commonly dominated by exotic cool-season grasses with few forbs.

Invertebrates: This plant community provides similar life requisites as Plant Community Phase 3.1 however, an increase in shrubs begins to limit season-long pollen and nectar availability. An increase in shrubs provides early spring pollen for invertebrates, decreasing mid- to -late season pollen and nectar availability.

Birds: Dependent upon the density and height of the dominate shrubs, birds tolerant of woody vegetation may benefit. However, as shrub density increases, use by bird species not tolerant to woody vegetation will be limited. Woody vegetation may provide winter cover for some bird species such as sharp-tailed grouse.

Mammals: The increase in shrub density provides escape, thermal, loafing cover for small and large herbivores. The increased litter from total rest from grazing combined with no fire events provides protective and escape cover for small mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Dependent on the density of shrub canopy, amphibian and reptile use will become limited.

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 and birds, and their young. Dense weed cover can keep soils moist, increasing insect presence. Tall stature provided by some annual weeds offers thermal cover and seeds throughout winter for deer, small mammals, and over-wintering birds. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

Successful native range planting of native species along Transition 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 planting, via Transition Pathway R4B, can result in an invaded plant community Invaded State 3.0.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
This site is well adapted to managed grazing by domestic livestock. The predominance of herbaceous plants across all plant community phases best lends these sites to grazing by cattle, but other domestic grazers with differing diet preferences may also be a consideration depending upon management objectives. Often, the current plant community does not 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

The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and C, but also includes soils in group D. Infiltration varies from slow to moderately rapid; runoff potential varies from negligible to medium for this site depending on soil hydrologic group, surface texture, 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 shortgrasses form a dense sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

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
• Components of the Ranslo soil series have been linked to the MLRA 55B Subirrigated ES in NASIS. This linking needs to be reviewed. The soil chemistry (particularly SAR) and claypan layer of Ranslo (Typic Natraquolls) is quite different from the central concept of Subirrigated. The Claypan ecological site may be a better fit for linking.
• Further investigation is needed where this site is used as a component (major or minor) on flood plains. The impact of occasional or frequent flooding on these areas needs evaluation. MLRA map units to investigate are:
 Fluvaquents, channeled-Fairdale complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (map unit 2q5rd)
 Fairdale loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded (map unit 2q5rj)
• Further investigation is needed on the wide range of soil textures and associated properties and their relationship to hydrology/plant dynamics.
• Further investigation is needed to document this site’s vegetative responses to wetter than normal climate cycles. Even though these soils are considered non-hydric based on soil properties, during wet climate cycles some wetland functions - including supporting hydrophytic plants - have been observed. The State and Transition Model needs review to see if these conditions are adequately represented.
• 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 During the recently completed Ecological Site Description update, Mauvais soil was reassigned from Subirrigated to Limy Subirrigated; all Mauvais components need to be relinked.
o Ranslo components are currently linked to Subirrigated; these should be relinked to 55B Claypan.

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