Management of livestock to improve and maintain prairie chicken habitat on the Sheyenne National Grasslands

Abstract

Cover requirements of prairie grouse are primarily related to vegetative structure, whereas food needs are species related. Seasonal distribution and intensity of grazing initially alter the structure and ultimately can alter species composition. Initial successful nests were found in areas of more and higher residual cover than unsuccessful nests. Nesting areas were similar in type and height class to areas used by prairie chickens for winter and spring roosting. Success of renesting hens was higher than initial nests which was probably a function of additional cover provided by current year's growth. A key factor influencing prairie grouse numbers lies in the amount and distribution of residual grass cover (15-50 cm, ht) within 1.6 km of a display ground. On the Sheyenne Grasslands, this cover was almost entirely found in the lowlands and midlands. Grazing and haying management of these two communities will have the greatest impact on prairie chickens.

Parent Publication

• Prairie chickens on the Sheyenne National Grasslands: September 18, 1987; Crookston, Minnesota

Citation

Eng, Robert L.; Toepfer, John E.; Newell, Jay A. 1988. Management of livestock to improve and maintain prairie chicken habitat on the Sheyenne National Grasslands. In: Bjugstad, Ardell J., tech. coord. Prairie chickens on the Sheyenne National Grasslands: September 18, 1987; Crookston, Minnesota. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-159. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 55-57