CHAPTER 2: GEOGRAPHIC AREA
DIRECTION
INTRODUCTION
Geographic areas include management direction that is too specific to apply across an entire
grassland or several grasslands. For example, desired vegetation conditions need to be
tailored to the vegetation types, climate, and productivity of a specific area. The geographic
area direction is applied to the area in addition to the grasslandwide and forestwide direction
in Chapter 1, and the management area direction in Chapter 3.
This chapter contains a brief section on each geographic area, which includes:
·
·
description of the physical setting and unique features; and
direction developed for the desired conditions and management emphases.
The setting section describes the size, location, climate, and major drainages, and
topographic and vegetation features of the area. The setting section is followed by highlights
of unique or unusual features offered by the area.
Maps at the back of this chapter also display direction for these geographic areas, including:
·
·
·
Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) settings
Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIOs)
Travel management
Geographic areas are delineated on the enclosed Alternative 3 map. The Dakota Prairie
Grasslands contain 4 geographic areas, as follows:
Grand and Cedar River National Grasslands
The Grand River National Grassland encompasses about 155,000 acres of National Forest System lands in northwestern South Dakota, while the Cedar River National Grassland encompasses
about 6,700 acres of National Forest System land in southwestern North Dakota. These grasslands are administered by the Grand River Ranger District located in Lemmon, South Dakota.
Both grasslands are contained in one geographic area: the Grand/Cedar Geographic Area.
Little Missouri National Grassland
The Little Missouri National Grassland encompasses about 1.1 million acres in the western region of North Dakota. It is divided into two ranger districts, the McKenzie District in the north
and the Medora District in the south. Two geographic areas are found on the Little Missouri
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 1
National Grassland. They are the Badlands Geographic Area and the Rolling Prairie Geographic
Area. The Badlands Geographic Area is generally closer to the Little Missouri River than the
Rolling Prairie Geographic Area.
Sheyenne National Grassland
The Sheyenne National Grassland encompasses 70,300 acres in southeastern North Dakota. The
Sheyenne River forms part of the northern boundary of this tallgrass prairie unit. The district
office is located in Lisbon, North Dakota. The one geographic area for this unit is called the
Sheyenne Geographic Area.
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 2
1. Grand/Cedar Geographic Area
Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands
Setting
The Grand/Cedar Geographic Area includes about 160,931 acres of National Forest System
lands, and includes both Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands. The national grasslands are administered by the Grand River Ranger District, in Lemmon, South Dakota. Part of
this geographic area extends across the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Indian Reservations
in both North and South Dakota.
The climate for the Grand/Cedar Geographic Area can be classified as semi-arid Continental.
Summers are warm and winters very cold. Precipitation is heaviest in late spring and early summer. Average yearly precipitation equals about 17 inches. The average winter temperature is
about 19 degrees Fahrenheit; summer’s average maximum temperature is 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blizzards generally occur several times each winter, while hail often accompanies thunderstorms
in the summer.
The topography of this area is characterized by fairly level to rolling hills with some inclusions
of isolated badlands landscapes and rock outcrops. Elevation ranges between about 2,325 and
2,915 feet above sea level.
The Cedar River portion of the geographic area is primarily drained by the Cedar River. The
Grand River portion is drained by the Grand River and its main tributary is Black Horse Butte
Creek. Other tributaries include: Third Creek, Butte Creek, Horse Butte Creek, Darling Creek,
Tooth Creek, Deer Creek, Slick Creek and Timber Draw Creek.
The dominant vegetation includes western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, blue grama, needle
and thread, threadleaf sedge, green ash, American elm, boxelder, silver sagebrush, buffaloberry,
serviceberry, snowberry, chokecherry and wild plum. Crested wheatgrass, an exotic species, is
also present, much of which was planted as a result of drought years during the 1930s.
Unique Attributes
·
·
·
·
·
High native vegetative integrity as determined by the Nature Conservancy.
Birdwatching opportunities.
Big game and upland bird viewing and hunting opportunities.
Significant fossil resources as found in the Hell Creek Geologic Formation.
Open and scenic plains and vast prairie landscapes.
Management Area Prescription Allocation
Number
2.1
3.64
4.22
6.1
Prescription
Special Interest Areas
Special Plant and Wildlife Habitat
Scenic Areas, Vistas or Travel Corridors
Rangeland with Broad Resource Emphasis
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 3
Acres
230
1020
2960
156720
Geographic Area Direction
A. Vegetation
1. Manage the following management areas to meet the vegetation composition and
structure objectives identified below:
Management
Area
2.1 (Bog, Aspen
Composition
(% late to mid seral)
High
Structure
Moderate
Structure
Low
Structure
Stand, Sand Dunes,
White Butte
Variable to meet management area objectives (Not suitable for grazing)
3.64
3.64 (Knispel)
4.22
6.1a
6.1b
90
35-45%
35-55%
10-20%
Variable to meet management area objectives (Not suitable for grazing)
90
30-40%
40-60%
10-20%
80
10-30%
55-75%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
See Appendix I for more information on grassland structure.
B. Fire
1. Burn about 5,000 acres per decade. Objective
C. Rest
1. Rest at least 5 percent of the capable rangeland each year. Objective
D. Infrastructure
1. Allow no more than a 10 percent change in average pasture size over the decade.
Standard
2. Allow no net gain in water developments. Standard
E. Wildlife
1. Manage Management Indicator Species as follows:
Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse
· Provide diverse and quality grassland habitat at levels that, in combination with habitat on
adjoining lands, helps support stable to increasing sharp-tailed grouse populations (long-term
trends) across this geographic area. Objective
·
Establish and maintain quality nesting and brooding habitat for sharp-tailed grouse (Appendix H) and associated wildlife by meeting vegetation objectives for high structure within
10 years. Objective
·
Establish and maintain quality winter foraging habitat for sharp-tailed grouse and associated
wildlife by enhancing and/or maintaining regeneration of shrub patches and the shrub
component of wooded draws and riparian habitats in those areas currently supporting sharptailed grouse populations. This objective does not apply to areas where expansion of prairie
dog populations is desired. Objective
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 4
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
· Establish two or more prairie dog colony complexes (10 or more colonies with a total colony
acreage of at least 1,000 acres) within 10 to 15 years. Objective
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 5
2. Badlands Geographic Area
Little Missouri National Grassland
Setting
This Badlands Geographic Area includes about 573,700 acres of National Forest System lands of
the Little Missouri National Grassland (about 189,900 acres on McKenzie Ranger District and
383,800 acres on the Medora Ranger District).
The climate of this Badlands Geographic Area can be classified as semi-arid Continental. Precipitation is erratic, but averages total about 15 inches per year, with about half of that precipitation falling from May through July. Short but intense thunderstorms, sometimes accompanied by
hail, is a frequent occurrence between April and September. Moisture deficits are critical during
the summer months. Drought cycles are typical, some lasting as long as 10 to 15 years. Yearly
temperatures range between -35 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall
averages about 30 inches per year, but winds, averaging about 10 miles per hour, usually create
deep accumulations in draws.
The topography of the area includes intricately dissected drainages and draws dropping from
grassy ridgelines or butte-like hills and color-banded mounds typical of a badlands landscape.
Large slumps and earthflows typical of a highly erodible landscape can also be identified. Small
inclusions of rolling prairie, both along ridgetops and valley bottoms, are also typical of this
geographic area. Multi-layered soils are extensively exposed, as are soft rock or rock-like substances, such as siltstones, clay stones, shales and sandstones. Other erosion-resistant rocks, such
as lignite seams and scoria, are also prevalent. Within this geographic area exists landtypes with
slopes that are 40 percent and greater, are vegetated by Rocky Mountain juniper on the north
aspects, and are relatively unvegetated on the south and west aspects. These landtypes are
commonly called the "true" badlands. Elevations range from about 1,800 feet above sea level
near Lake Sakakawea to about 3,500 feet above sea level atop some of the more prominent buttes.
Some of the drainages in the area include Burnt Creek, Bennett Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Sheep
Creek, Beicegel Creek, Cinnamon Creek, Magpie Creek Indian Creek, Boyce Creek, Bear Creek,
Sully Creek, Dry Creek, Ash Coulee, Mike’s Creek, Blacktail Creek, Davis Creek, Whitetail
Creek, and Buckhorn Creek. These tributaries empty into the Little Missouri River, which also
flows through this geographic area. The Little Missouri River eventually empties into the Missouri River.
The dominant vegetation includes riparian cottonwood forests along the Little Missouri River,
hardwood draws of green ash and chokecherry, uplands of western wheatgrass and needle-andthread grass, rolling grasslands of western wheatgrass and prairie junegrass, rocklands of dwarf
juniper and creeping cedar, terraces of wolfberry and silver sage, savanna of ponderosa pine and
green needlegrass, upland breaks of big sage and skunkbrush, river breaks of Rocky Mountain
juniper and silver sage, and toe slopes of western wheatgrass and prickly pear.
Unique Attributes
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 6
·
·
·
Special vegetative communities, including ponderosa pine, bur oak, and limber pine.
Special wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and sage grouse.
Many scenic roadless areas, including Kinley Plateau and Bennet-Cottonwood.
· The Little Missouri River, one of the longest unimpeded free-flowing rivers in the United
States.
· Fossil resources from the Paleozoic and Cenozoic Epochs.
· The Buffalo Gap and Burning Coal Vein Campgrounds, Whitetail Picnic Area, and the
Maah-Daah-Hey Trail.
· The 1864 Battle of the Badlands site.
· The Buffalo Gap, Burning Coal Vein, and CCC Campgrounds; Summit and Whitetail
Picnic Area; and the Maah-Daah-Hey Trail.
· The 1864 Battle of the Badlands site.
· Archaeological complexes along the extensive linear ridgetops, which functioned as trail
corridors.
· Archaeological remnants of Mandan/Hidatsa Eagle complexes along the Little Missouri
River bluffs.
· The 1876 Custer military trail to the Little Bighorn Battlefield and associated campsites.
Management Area Prescription Allocation
Number
1.2
1.31
2.1
2.2
3.51
3.65
4.22
4.32
6.1
Prescription
Recommended for Wilderness
Backcountry Recreation Non-motorized
Special Interest Areas
Research Natural Areas
Bighorn Sheep
Rangelands with Diverse Natural-Appearing
Landscapes
Scenic Areas, Vistas or Travel Corridors
Dispersed Recreation: High Use
Rangeland with Broad Resource Emphasis
Acres
8,330
107,040
4,510
18,960
66,840
322,580
19,320
7,790
18,330
Geographic Area Direction
A. Vegetation
1. Manage the following management areas to meet the vegetation composition and structure
objectives identified below:
Management Area
1.2
1.31
2.1 (Btl Badlands)
2.1 (Bear Den)
2.1 (Black Butte)
2.1 (Blk Cottonwood)
2.1 (Bullion Cr.)
2.1 (Burning Coal)
2.1 (Cannonball)
2.1 (Custer Trail)
Composition
High
Moderate
Low
(% late to mid seral)
Structure
Structure
Structure
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
85
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
Variable to meet management area objectives (Not suitable for grazing)
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
Variable to meet management area objectives (Not suitable for grazing)
85
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
85
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 7
Management Area
2.1 (Ice Caves)
2.1 (Pretty Butte)
2.1 (Riparian Pools)
2.1 (Roundtop Butte)
2.1 (Slope Type)
2.1 (Square Butte)
2.2 (Cottonwood)
2.2 (Bear Den)
2.2 (Limber Pine)
2.2 (Mikes Ck.)
2.2 (P. Pines)
2.2 (Two Top/Big Top)
3.51
3.65 (ridge tops/valleys only)
3.65 (average overall)
4.22
4.32
6.1
Composition
High
Moderate
Low
(% late to mid seral)
Structure
Structure
Structure
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
85
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
Variable to meet management area objectives (not suitable for grazing)
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
25-35%
45-65%
10-20%
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
90
40-60%
25-45%
10-20%
90
20-35%
45-70%
10-20%
See Appendix I for more information on grassland structure.
2. For streams identified as "non-functioning" or "functioning at risk" with a downward
trend, take action within 3 years of stream inventories to correct those conditions. Objective
3. Manage grazing units that are composed of at least 70% crested wheatgrass (Agropyron
cristatum) as crested wheatgrass units. Manage other pastures not meeting this definition as
native grass units. Guideline
4. Control the timing, duration, and intensity of grazing on grass-dominated ridgetops and
valley bottoms to prevent overuse and to promote the desired structure and species composition,
based on local growing conditions. Guideline
5. Use a standardized process to determine stocking rates (for example, the Natural Resources Conservation Service system) as modified to fit localized conditions and protect other
resource values. Guideline
·
·
·
·
·
6. For "true" badlands (Landtype P3B):
Manage for an undeveloped condition. Guideline
Reduce encroachment by juniper and ponderosa pine through use of prescribed fire.
Guideline
Increase herbaceous/shrub community occurrence in place of junipers. Guideline
Emphasize botanical and wildlife uses when considering management activities. Guideline
Prohibit road construction except when supporting existing oil and gas lease development.
Prioritize existing oil and gas roads for road decommissioning. Standard
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 8
B. Fire
1. Prescribe burn about 8,000 acres per decade. Priorities for prescribe burning include
reducing biomass of crested wheatgrass, stimulating shrub growth in woody draws, increasing
cool season grasses, reducing fuel loadings, and reducing pine and juniper encroachment.
Objective
2. Develop prescribed natural fire and management ignited fire plans in support of habitat
improvement for bighorn sheep within five years. Objective
C. Rest
1. Rest at least 5 percent of the capable rangeland each year. Objective
D. Infrastructure
1. Increase the average pasture size as opportunities arise over the next 15 years. Emphasize
increases in pasture size in the southern area of the Little Missouri National Grassland. Objective
2. Allow no net gain in water developments. Standard
E. Wildlife
1. Manage Management Indicator Species as follows:
Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse
· Provide diverse and quality grassland habitat at levels that, in combination with habitat on
adjoining lands, helps support stable to increasing sharp-tailed grouse populations (long-term
trends) across this geographic area. Objective
·
Establish and maintain quality nesting and brooding habitat for sharp-tailed grouse (Appendix H) and associated wildlife by meeting vegetation objectives for high structure within
10 years. Objective
·
Establish and maintain quality winter foraging habitat for sharp-tailed grouse and associated
wildlife by enhancing and/or maintaining regeneration of shrub patches and the shrub
component of wooded draws and riparian habitats in those areas currently supporting sharptailed grouse populations. This objective does not apply to areas where expansion of prairie
dog populations is desired. Objective
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
· Establish two or more prairie dog colony complexes (10 or more colonies with a total colony
acreage of at least 1,000 acres) within 10 to 15 years. Individual complexes may extend
across to the adjoining rolling prairie geographic area. Objective
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 9
3. Rolling Prairie Geographic Area
Little Missouri National Grassland
Setting
This Rolling Prairie Geographic Area includes about 452,600 acres of National Forest System
lands on the Little Missouri National Grassland (311,000 acres on the McKenzie Ranger District
and 141,600 acres on the Medora Ranger District).
The climate of this Rolling Prairie Geographic Area can be classified as semi-arid Continental.
Precipitation is erratic, but averages total about 15 inches per year, with about half of that precipitation falling from May through July. Short but intense thunderstorms, sometimes accompanied
by hail, is a frequent occurrence between April and September. Moisture deficits are critical
during the summer months. Drought cycles are typical, some lasting as long as 10 to 15 years.
Yearly temperatures range between minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall averages about 30 inches per year, but winds, averaging about 10 miles per hour, usually
prevents deep accumulations.
The topography of the area is characterized by nearly level to rolling hills with some inclusions of
scattered buttes and badlands landscapes. The soils of this geographic area are quite welldeveloped and stable, given the gentle topography, and occur beneath a fairly consistent mosaic of
grass cover. Elevations range from about 1,800 feet above sea level near Lake Sakakawea to
about 3,500 feet above sea level atop some of the more prominent buttes.
Some of the drainages in the area include Antelope Creek, Sand Creek, Bartall Creek, Johntown
Creek, Horse Creek, Alkali Creek, One-O-One Creek, Poison Springs Creek, Bennie Pier Creek,
Clear Creek, Charbonneau Creek, Poker Jim Creek, Jim Creek, Bell Lake Creek, Philbrick Creek,
Deep Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Williams Creek and Horse Creek. These tributaries empty into
the Little Missouri River, which eventually empties into the Missouri River. On the northern portion of this geographic area, National Forest System lands lie adjacent to and empty directly into
the Missouri River.
The dominant vegetation includes hardwood draws of green ash and chokecherry, uplands of blue
grama and little bluestem, rolling grasslands of western wheatgrass and prairie junegrass, rocklands of dwarf juniper and creeping cedar, terraces of wolfberry and silver sage, savanna of
ponderosa pine and green needlegrass, and toe slopes of western wild rose and prickly pear.
Unique Attributes
·
·
·
·
·
·
Vast, open and scenic nature of the rolling plains.
The scenic Horse Creek Roadless Area.
Black Butte, a prominent geographical feature and American Indian Traditional Use area
Extensive prehistoric stone circle/tipi ring complexes.
Sather Campground and Lake.
Largest intact natural grassland area in North Dakota.
· Populations of sage grouse and big game, such as pronghorn antelope.
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 10
Management Area Prescription Allocation
Number
1.2
1.31
2.1
2.2
2.4
3.51
3.65
4.22
4.32
6.1
Prescription
Recommended for Wilderness
Backcountry Recreation Non-motorized
Special Interest Areas
Research Natural Areas
American Indian Traditional Areas
Bighorn Sheep
Rangelands with Diverse Natural-Appearing
Landscapes
Scenic Areas, Vistas or Travel Corridors
Dispersed Recreation: High Use
Rangeland with Broad Resource Emphasis
Acres
1,780
23,010
1,650
330
6,280
460
7,010
170
60
411,800
Geographic Area Direction
A. Vegetation
1. Manage the following management areas to meet the vegetation composition and structure objectives identified below:
Management
Area
1.2
1.31
2.1
2.2 (Cottonwood)
2.4
3.51
3.65
4.22
4.32
6.1
Composition
(% late to mid seral)
90
90
80
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
High
Structure
40-60%
40-60%
10-20%
40-60%
20-35%
20-35%
40-60%
20-35%
40-60%
20-35%
Moderate
Structure
25-45%
25-45%
60-80%
25-45%
45-70%
45-70%
25-45%
45-70%
25-45%
45-70%
Low
Structure
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
10-20%
See Appendix I for more information on grassland structure.
2. For streams identified as "non-functioning" or "functioning at risk" with a downward
trend, take action within 3 years of stream inventories to correct those conditions. Objective
3. Manage grazing units that are composed of at least 70% crested wheatgrass (Agropyron
cristatum) as crested wheatgrass units. Manage other pastures not meeting this definition as
native grass units. Guideline
4. For ponderosa pine communities, use grazing, fire, and harvesting to maintain or enhance
the health and vigor of these unique communities. Guideline
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 11
5. Use a standardized process to determine stocking rates (for example, the Natural Resources Conservation Service system) as modified to fit localized conditions and protect other
resource values. Guideline
B. Fire
1. Burn about 12,000 acres per decade. Priorities for prescribe burning include reducing
biomass of crested wheatgrass, stimulating shrub growth in woody draws, reducing cool season
grasses, increasing fuel loadings, and reducing pine and juniper encroachment. Objective
C. Rest
1. Rest at least 5 percent of the capable rangeland each year. Objective
D. Infrastructure
1. Increase the average pasture size as opportunities arise over the next 15 years. Emphasize
increases in pasture size in the southern area of the Little Missouri National Grassland. Objective
2. Allow no net gain in water developments. Standard
E. Wildlife
1. Manage Management Indicator Species as follows:
Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse
· Provide diverse and quality grassland habitat at levels that, in combination with habitat on
adjoining lands, helps support stable to increasing sharp-tailed grouse populations (long-term
trends) across this geographic area. Objective
·
Establish and maintain quality nesting and brooding habitat for sharp-tailed grouse (Appendix H) and associated wildlife by meeting vegetation objectives for high structure within
10 years. Objective
·
Establish and maintain quality winter foraging habitat for sharp-tailed grouse and associated
wildlife by enhancing and/or maintaining regeneration of shrub patches and the shrub
component of wooded draws and riparian habitats in those areas currently supporting sharptailed grouse populations. This objective does not apply to areas where expansion of prairie
dog populations is desired. Objective
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
· Establish two or more prairie dog colony complexes (10 or more colonies with a total colony
acreage of at least 1,000 acres) within 10 to 15 years. Individual complexes may extend
across to the adjoining badlands prairie geographic area. Objective
Sage Grouse
· Provide habitat conditions that, in combination with sagebrush habitat on adjoining lands,
help support stable to increasing sage grouse populations (longterm trends) in the sagebrush
habitat in this geographic area. Objective
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 12
·
Establish and maintain quality nesting and brooding habitat for sage grouse (Appendix H)
and associated wildlife across most of the sagebrush habitat in this geographic area within 10
to 15 years. Objective
F. Minerals and Energy
1. Prohibit future leasing that would negatively affect traditional uses outside of
Management Area 2.4 but within the Blue Buttes unit. Standard
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 13
4. Sheyenne Geographic Area
Sheyenne National Grassland
Setting
The Sheyenne Geographic Area encompasses 70,300 acres in southeastern North Dakota. The
Sheyenne River forms part of the northern boundary of this tallgrass prairie unit. The Sheyenne
National Grassland district office is located in Lisbon, North Dakota. The one geographic area
for this unit is called the Sheyenne Geographic Area. The Sheyenne Geographic Area includes
the entire 70,300 acres of National Forest System lands in the area.
The climate of the Sheyenne River Sandhills can be classified as Continental. Precipitation levels
average about 21 inches per year. Winters can be bitterly cold, dipping below minus 20 degrees
Fahrenheit, exacerbated by deathly wind-chill factors, while summer temperatures can be in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The sandy geological features of the area can be traced back to between 10,000 and 15,000 years
ago when southeastern North Dakota was covered by a massive glacier. As the glacier receded,
the Sheyenne River funneled the glacier’s meltwater into the vast glacial Lake Agassiz. The
Sheyenne River Sandhills themselves are the result a delta formed as heavy sediments were
dropped by the glacial meltwater of the Sheyenne River. This ancient delta now displays choppy
and hummocky sand dunes, the sandsheets of the deltaic plains and river terraces. The Sheyenne
River and wind continue to sculpt the landscape of the Sheyenne River Sandhills.
Major distinguishing landmarks and features include, from north to south, the Sheyenne River,
the oak savanna of the choppy sandhills, hummocky sandhills, and the deltaic plains. Most of the
Sheyenne Geographic Area drains north into the Sheyenne River, which drains a large part of
eastern North Dakota and empties into the Red River of the North to the northeast. Elevations
range from about 1,025 feet above sea level to 1,080 feet above sea level.
Drainage of the Sheyenne Geographic Area flows mainly toward the Sheyenne River, with Iron
Creek Springs as a primary tributary. The Hankinson unit of the national grassland is drained by
the Wild Rice River.
The dominant vegetation types include: tallgrass prairie species, such as porcupine grass, sand
bluestem, Indian grass, big bluestem, prairie cordgrass and numerous species of sedges and wildflowers. Deciduous species are numerous, including bur oak, American elm, American linden,
green ash, ironwood, hackberry, boxelder, quaking aspen, willows and cottonwoods. Areas of
oak savanna, an increasingly rare vegetative component in the United States (as is tallgrass
prairie) is found in this geographic area. The western prairie fringed orchid, a federally listed
threatened species, is found in the Sheyenne River Sandhills.
Unique Attributes
·
·
·
Thousands of acres of contiguous tallgrass prairie.
Substantial acres of rare bur oak savanna.
The threatened western prairie fringed orchid.
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 14
·
·
·
·
·
One of the last populations of greater prairie chicken in North Dakota.
Vegetated sandhills topography in an intensively cultivated agricultural region.
The scenic Sheyenne River Valley and its riverine forest.
Dozens of rare and sensitive plant species.
Fort Abercrombie to Fort Ransom military trail.
Management Area Prescription Allocation
Number
1.2
2.2
3.66
4.32
5.12
Prescription
Recommended for Wilderness
Research Natural Areas
Ecosystem Restoration (tall grass prairie)
Dispersed Recreation: High use
General Forest and Rangeland: Range
Vegetation Emphasis
Acres
4,140
740
53,040
1,710
10,640
Geographic Area Direction
A. Vegetation
1. Manage the following management areas to meet the vegetation composition and structure
objectives identified below:
Management
Area
1.2
2.2 (Bluestem
Meadow)
2.2 (Fritillary
Prairie)
2.2 (Oak Hills)
2.2 (Platanthera
Prairie)
2.2 (Sheyenne
Springs)
3.66
4.32
5.12 parks
5.12 timber
Composition
(% late to mid seral)
90
90
High
Structure
50-70%
50-70%
Moderate
Structure
20-40%
20-40%
Low
Structure
0-20%
0-20%
90
50-70%
20-40%
0-20%
90
90
50-70%
50-70%
20-40%
20-40%
0-20%
0-20%
90
50-70%
20-40%
0-20%
50-70%
20-40%
variable - not suitable for grazing
50-70%
20-40%
0-20%
90
90
See Appendix I for more information on grassland structure.
2. Prohibit the planting of woody species to restore blowouts. Guideline
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 15
0-20%
B. Fire
1. Burn about 40,000 acres per decade. Objective
C. Rest
1. Rest at least 5 percent of the capable rangeland each year if consistent with restoration objectives. Objective
D. Infrastructure
1. Allow no net decrease in the average pasture size. Standard
2. Allow no more than 3 water developments per section. Standard
3. Prohibit draining of the national grassland. Standard
E. Wildlife
1. Manage Management Indicator Species as follows:
Greater Prairie Chicken
· Provide diverse and quality grassland habitat at levels that will support an increasing and viable prairie chicken population within 5 to 10 years in the southwest part of the district. Objective
· Establish and maintain quality nesting and brooding habitat for prairie chickens (Appendix
H) and associated wildlife by meeting vegetation management objectives for high structure in
the southwest part of the district. Objective
Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse
· Provide diverse and quality grassland habitat at levels that, in combination with habitat on
adjoining lands, helps support stable to increasing sharp-tailed grouse populations (long-term
trends) in the choppy sandhills part of the district. Objective
·
Establish and maintain quality nesting and brooding habitat for sharp-tailed grouse (Appendix H) and associated wildlife by meeting vegetation objectives for high structure within
10 years. Objective
Geographic Area Direction 2 - 16