Biological survey of a prairie landscape in Montana's glaciated plains : final report /

Abstract

Grank & Reasons: G3 (99-12-06). This small patch type currently has a circumscribed geographic distribution, though its description from Saskatchewan and North Dakota would not be unexpected. Habitats with the potential to support this type appear to be relatively abundant, but the type itself is comparatively uncommon. This types affinity for well-drained benches and gently inclined landforms in a primarily agricultural landscape puts it at a moderate risk for agriculture conversion. Fortunately, this landform also occurs in breakland and badland environments less desirable for agriculture, thus lessening the chances of this uncommon type being converted to agriculture. Its graminoid composition renders it only moderately attractive to cattle, and the scarcity of forbs decrease its value as sheep range. Element Distribution Range: This association is well documented from Montana and Alberta, Canada. The same or a closely analogous type occurs in Wyoming, and some permutation of the type is to be expected in northwestern North Dakota and Saskatchewan.

Developing Nutrient Criteria for Streams: An Evaluation of the Frequency Distribution Method1

“…Much of Rock Creek’s watershed upstream of the site is contained within the Grasslands National Park of Canada (Parks Canada – Grasslands National Park of Canada, website, http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/sk/grasslands, accessed October 21, 2005), and only about 7% is used for crop agriculture (U.S. and Canada combined). The reference site “Bitter Creek” (same ecoregion) has as its immediate upstream drainage a land area that has been described by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (a branch of the Nature Conservancy) as the largest intact grassland in northern Montana, and one of the most extensive naturally functioning glaciated plains grasslands in North America (Cooper et al. , 2001).…”

Grassland bird surveys in north Valley County, Montana : 2001-2006 /

“…Seven of the most abundant species recorded during this project (Table 3, Figure 2) are state Species of Concern (MTNHP and MTFWP 2006). Five are Great Plains prairie endemic birds (Samson and Knopf 1996) and are present at greater abundances here than other regions in Montana (Cooper at al. 2001).…”

“…North Valley County is an exceptionally rich example of native grassland, representing some of the most intact remaining prairie in Montana (Redmond et al 1998) and the entire North American continent. The area, which lies adjacent to Canada's Grasslands National Park, is recognized nationally and internationally for its importance to prairie-dependent species (Cooper et al 2001, Smith Fargey 2004. Seven of the most abundant species recorded during this project (Table 3, Figure 2) are state Species of Concern (MTNHP and MTFWP 2006).…”

“…Glacial till and outwash cover the terrain as the area's gently rolling landscape was scoured by at least two glacial events. The most common substrate in the project area is clay shale, marine in origin and dark grey in color (Cooper et al 2001). The local climate is considered semi-arid with precipitation of approximately 10 to 14 inches per year, much of it falling as early summer rains in late May and early June.…”

“…This area is signifi cant as it encompasses the most extensive remaining piece of intact prairie land in Montana. For a more detailed description of vegetative communities and distinguishing attributes specifi c to the study area see Cooper et al (2001).…”