Bird species associated with green ash woodlands in the Slim Buttes, South Dakota

Abstract

In western South Dakota, native deciduous woodlands are uncommon, constituting less than 1% of the total land area (Boldt et al. 1978). The Green Ash/Common Chokecherry (Fraxinus pennsylvanica/Prunus virginiana) habitat type is the major deciduous habitat type in northwestern South Dakota (Hansen and Hoffman 1985). This type occurs in depressions, draws, and along streams where favorable moisture conditions prevail. In many areas, Green Ash woodlands are in serious decline (Boldt et al. 1978). Stands in late stages of decline (referred to as open-canopy stands) are characterized by sparse overstory trees, shrubs that are nonexistent or in scattered remnants, and rare or absent regeneration of shrubs and trees. Healthy, productive Green Ash woodlands (known as closed-canopy stands) are characterized by moderately dense tree stands, a dense shrub layer with various shrub species present, and varying age classes of trees and shrubs.

Citation

Hodorff, Robert A.; Sieg, Carolyn Hull. 1986. Bird species associated with green ash woodlands in the Slim Buttes, South Dakota. South Dakota Bird Notes. 38(3): 56-60.