Physiographic features

This site occurs on uplands – on glacial outwash plains, on terraces, on dissected moraines, and on high beach ridges along lake shores. It is on upper back slopes, shoulder slope and summits. Parent materials are gravelly glaciofluvial or beach deposits. Slopes range from 0 to 35 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. Green-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 does not receive additional water as runoff from adjacent slopes; it is on a run-off landscape position. Neither does it receive additional water from a seasonal high-water table. Depth to the water table is deeper than 6 feet throughout the growing season. Infiltration is moderately rapid to very rapid. Permeability below the surface layer is rapid or very rapid. Water loss is through percolation below the root zone and evapotranspiration.

Soil features

Soils associated with Very Shallow ecological site are in the Mollisol and Entisol orders. The Mollisols are classified further as Entic Hapludolls. The Entisols are classified further as Typic Udorthents. These soils were developed under prairie vegetation. They formed in glaciofluvial deposits or beach deposits.

The common feature of soils in this site is the very shallow depth (<14 inches) to layers high in coarse sand and gravel (15 to 60 percent gravel). In some soils this layer contains significant amounts (>25%) of shale fragments. Due to the high amounts of gravel, these soils are very droughty and have limited plant production.

The soils are excessively drained. The thin surface layer is typically sandy loam, gravelly sandy loam, or loamy coarse sand; but gravelly loam, cobbly loam and coarse sandy loam also occur. Where soils have been cultivated, the surface layer may be very gravelly.

Salinity and sodicity are none. Soil reaction is neutral to moderately alkaline. Calcium carbonate content is none too low in the surface soil and low to moderately high below. Some soils have layers of calcium carbonate accumulation in the upper part of the gravelly layers (typically as coatings on undersides of rock fragments).

The soil surface is very unstable but intact. Sub-surface soil layers are restrictive to root penetration. These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Very low available water capacity caused by the shallow rooting depth strongly influences the soil/water/pant relationship. Loss of the soil surface layer can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Major soil series correlated to the Very Shallow site are Coe, Sioux, and Wamduska.

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, Invaded Wooded States. Conversely, ecological sites that are dominated by short- to mid-statured grasses (Claypan) can be adjacent to sites with bare soil only supporting minor amounts of short grasses and forbs (Thin Claypan).

Management of these complex ecological sites can provide a heterogeneous or a homogenous landscape. Grassland bird use declines as the plant community transitions to a homogenous state. Managers 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 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_Very_Shallow_Narrative_FINALRef_FSG.pdf

Very Shallow Wildlife Habitat Interpretation:

Very Shallow ecological sites are excessively drained and have coarse sand and/or gravel within 14 inches of the surface. These sites are usually found on slopes ranging from 0 to 35 percent. Needlegrasses are the dominant mid cool-season grass. Associated ecological sites include Loamy, Thin Loamy, Shallow Gravel, and Subirrigated. This site, generally, is not associated with riparian, wetland, or water features; however, a few areas do occur on high beach ridges near lakes.

Due to the high amounts of coarse sand and gravel, these soils are very droughty and have limited plant production. Very Shallow habitat features and components commonly support grassland- nesting birds the prefer short-statured vegetation and bare ground. Insects rely on associated forbs and grasses for survival. Insect populations provide food sources for birds and their young. Very Shallow ecological sites provide forage for small and large herbivores.

1.0 Reference State

Community Phase 1.1 Needle and Thread-Blue Grama/Sedges: This plant community provides quality vegetative cover for wildlife; every effort should be made to maintain this ecological site within this community phase. Even though production is limited due to droughty soil conditions, this plant community retain 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 reliant on a diverse plant community (structure and native composition). Predominance of grass species favors grazers and mixed feeders (animals selecting grasses as well as forbs and shrubs). The structural diversity provides habitat for a migratory and resident birds the prefer short open density plant structure.

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).

Lack of host plants, such as little bluestem, limits use by Dakota and Ottoe skippers. Violet species are not common on this site, not supporting the needed habitat for the regal fritillary. Monarch butterfly may use flowering forbs; however, few milkweed species are found on this site to support caterpillar food. Bumblebees and other native bees utilize forbs as a nectar source; bare ground and nesting sites are available due to the dominance of bunch grasses.

Birds: This plant community provides nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short-grass nesting birds. This plant community can provide suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites; however, coarse soils and steep slopes may reduce suitability. This site is not preferred nesting habitat, brood-rearing, and loafing habitat. This site provides limited hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores. Short- to mid-statured vegetation provides suitable food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores, but provides no thermal, protective, or escape cover for large ungulates.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This ecological site is not typically found near Wet Meadow or Wetland ecological sites; therefore, they do not provide habitat for the northern leopard frog and Canadian toad. These sites do not provide habitat for the northern prairie skink and plains hog-nosed snake.

Fish and Mussels: This ecological site is not typically located adjacent to streams, rivers, or water bodies. They do not receive run-on hydrology from adjacent ecological sites and provide limited hydrology to adjacent down-slope ecological sites, such as Loamy and Subirrigated. Management on Very Shallow sites, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, will have an indirect effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from adjacent sites. Optimum hydrological function and nutrient cycling limit potential for sediment yield and nutrient loading to the any nearby aquatic ecosystems from Community Phase 1.1.

Community Phase 1.2 Blue Grama/Sedges/Forbs/Prairie Sagewort: Multiyear drought with or without heavy long-term grazing (via Community Phase Pathway 1.1A) causes an evident increase in short grasses and sedges and a corresponding decrease in mid-grass species. The reduction in bunch grasses and the increase in sod forming, warm season-grasses and sedges decrease bare ground and create a shorter statured plant community. Forb diversity is somewhat reduced, but forbs such as field sagewort, silverleaf Indian breadroot, white heath aster, common yarrow, and blazing star provide nectar and pollen. Prairie sagewort becomes the principal shrub. Return to normal precipitation and reduced grazing pressure with adequate recovery periods (via Community Phase Pathway 1.2A) will shift the competitive edge back to a needle and thread and sedge dominated plant community.

Invertebrates: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1. Wind-pollinated prairie sagewort reduces pollen and nectar availability for native bees and larval food butterfly species. Forb species may produce fewer flowers reducing overall pollen and nectar sources during periods of multiyear drought and heavy grazing. Bare ground may decrease but due to the doughtiness of these soils, bare ground is still available for ground nesting bees.

Birds: A shift to shorter statured grasses provide nesting, foraging, and escape habitats favored by short-statured grassland nesting birds. This plant community provides suitable areas for sharp-tailed grouse lek sites, dependent upon slope steepness. This site provides hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, the increase in short- statured, sod-forming warm season grasses and sedges reduces plant diversity along with thermal, escape, and protective cover for small mammals. Foliage and stems of prairie sagewort provide browse for jackrabbits, cottontails, ground squirrels, and various mice species.

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

Fish and Mussels: The increase in sod-forming grasses and sedges may increase run-off and provide increased hydrology to adjacent down-slope ecological sites.

2.0 Native/Invaded State

Community Phase 2.1 Needle and Thread-Blue Grama/Prairie Sagewort: This plant community develops through Transition Pathway T1A due to changes in management and the presence of exotic, cool-season grasses. Lack of fire or heavy season-long 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 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 exotic cool- season grasses and forbs. This phase functions at a high level for native wildlife; therefore, managers should consider the State 2.0 community phase pathways to avoid transitioning to the 3.0 Invaded State. There is no known Community Phase Pathway back to 1.0 Reference State from 2.0 Native/Invaded State.

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 Blue Grama/Sedges/Forbs/Prairie Sagewort: Multiyear drought with or without heavy grazing, via Community Phase Pathway 2.1A, causes an evident increase in blue grama and sedges and a corresponding decrease in mid-grass native species. The reduction in bunch grasses and the increases in sod forming warm season-grasses, sedges, and cool-season exotic grasses decrease bare ground and create a shorter statured plant community. Prairie sagewort becomes the principal shrub. Return to normal precipitation and reduced grazing pressure with adequate recovery periods (via Community Phase Pathway 2.2A) will shift the competitive edge back to a green needlegrass and western wheatgrass dominated plant community.

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 areas, grassland nesting birds preferring short/mid- vegetative stature may prefer this plant community phase.

Invertebrates: Grazing tolerant forbs remain in this plant community providing pollen and nectar sources for pollinating species. However, wind pollinator species (such as prairie sagewort) increasing could potentially reduce nectar and pollen availability. Sufficient bunch grasses remain to provide bare ground for ground nesting bees.

Birds: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.2. However, depending on the amount of overgrazed vs. undergrazed area, vegetative stature could favor short-grass nesting bird species on over-grassed areas.

Mammals: Vegetation stature is reduced due to the increase in sedges and Kentucky bluegrass reducing cover. However, depending on the amount of overgrazed vs. undergrazed area, vegetative stature in the undergrazed areas could provide thermal and escape cover for mammals, especially small 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.

Community Phase 2.3 Needle and Thread/Sedges/Exotic Cool-Season Grasses: Extended periods of non-use or very light grazing, and no fire (via Community Pathway 2.1B) allows exotic cool-season grasses to increase while western wheatgrass and blue grama decrease. However, the reduction in fire frequency will allow forbs to increase. Multi-year prescribed fire and prescribed grazing can move this plant community back to 2.1. This is an “at risk” plant community with high amounts of Kentucky bluegrass out-completing native grasses. Every effort should be made by managers to avoid implementing a grazing system that may favor reaching the 30 percent threshold for Kentucky bluegrass via Transitional Pathway T2A. Th longer this plant community transitions over to State 3.0, the opportunity for restoration back to State 2.0 by implementing a prescribed grazing system and introducing prescribed fire decreases.

Invertebrates: An increase exotic cool-season grass and a reduction in forb diversity reduces pollen and nectar sources, limiting use by pollination insect species. Common forbs include common yarrow, white sagebrush, and field sagewort.

Birds: Grassland-nesting birds that favor short-statured vegetative cover will use this site. However, continuous non-use, no fire, increases exotic cool-season exotic grasses reducing use by grassland nesting birds.

Mammals: As exotic cool-season grasses increase, thermal, protective or escape cover becomes limited.

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

Fish and Mussels: Although, this ecological site is not typically adjacent to streams, rivers, or water bodies, runoff from Community Phase 2.3 increases due to management that increases short- statured grass and reduces bunch grasses. Management of this community phase, in conjunction with neighboring run-on sites, will have an indirect negative effect on aquatic species in streams and/or tributaries receiving water from Sands and adjacent sites.

3.0 Invaded State

Community Phase 3.1 Exotic Cool-Season Grasses/Forbs: Complete rest from grazing and elimination of fire (via Transitional Pathway T2A) are the two major contributors to this transition, allowing exotic cool-season grasses to dominate this site. Native grasses may still be present but with reduced vigor and numbers - not allowing for recovery without multi-year prescribed grazing and burning (via Restoration Pathway R3A). Continued non-use may allow Kentucky bluegrass to become the dominant herbaceous component.

Invertebrates: Overall, pollinator plant diversity is reduced, with forbs (such as common yarrow) and shrubs (such as rose) providing limited pollen and nectar production. Light or no grazing will increase litter amounts; dense Kentucky bluegrass sod and sedges limit bare ground for ground nesting bees. Pollinator species may need to rely on adjacent ecological sites to meet their habitat needs.

Birds: This homogenous landscape provides limited structural diversity and insect production for grassland nesting birds. Grassland nesting birds preferring increased plant litter and favoring short-statured grasses will benefit, but long-term continued rest reduces nesting habitat for most species. This site provides limited hunting opportunities for grassland raptors.

Mammals: This short-statured community provides limited food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for large herbivores; life requisites will not be met in this plant community. Higher litter amounts provide food, thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores.

Amphibians and Reptiles: This site should provide similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1.

Fish and Mussels: Provides similar life requisites as Community Phase 1.1; however, increased runoff from this plant community may increase water yields to adjacent ecological sites.

4.0 Go-Back State

Community Phase 4.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics: This plant community is the result of severe soil disturbance (such as cropping, recreational activity, or concentrated livestock activity) for a prolonged time 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 dependent upon duration of disturbance. Weedy plants can provide pollinator habitat along with spring and summer cover for many mammals and birds, and their young. Shallow Gravel ecological sites do not provide the tall-statured annual weeds for thermal cover for deer, small mammals, and over-wintering birds. The response by wildlife species will be dependent upon plant community composition, vegetative stature, patch size, and management activities (such as prescribed grazing, burning, inter-seeding, haying, or noxious weed control).

Successful restoration of native species along Transition Pathway R4A can result in a native grass and forb community in State 2.0. Over time, with no management, the exotic cool-season perennial grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass) generally become established and dominate the community. Failed native grass seeding or with grazing and time, this annual/pioneer perennial plant community will result in an invaded 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. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A. Infiltration varies from moderately rapid to very rapid; runoff potential varies from negligible to medium depending on surface texture, slope percent, slope shape, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama and/or sedge will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Recreational uses

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 where areas of this site occur on beach ridges. These areas are periodically inundated for extended periods. When the progressive soil surveys were completed, these soils were not inundated; currently many of them are inundated and have been for many consecutive years. A major component in this site affected by recent inundation is Wamduska. The MLRA map unit needing investigation is:
 Wamduska-Mauvais complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes (map unit 2q5cp)
• Further investigation is needed in areas of bedded shale to determine if a Very Shallow minor component should be added to data map units with Kloten soil as a major component. A few, brief, pedon descriptions and field notes in Soil Survey Office files indicate shale beds may occur within a depth of 10 inches in steep areas. If a Very Shallow component is added, the physiographic and soil features narratives in the ESD will need to be revised accordingly. MLRA map units to investigate are:
 Buse-Kloten-Edgeley complex, 9 to 40 percent slopes (map unit 2sd4f)
 Edgeley-Kloten-Buse loams, 9 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q5rw)
 Kloten-Walsh-Edgeley loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes (map unit 2q5rz)
• Further evaluation and refinement of the State-and-Transition model is 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.

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 clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jeff Printz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Lee Voigt, Range Management Specialist, NRCS.

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Contributors

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

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 4/25/2025