Natural Resources Management Masters Theses

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Adaptive Management as a Tool in the Restoration of Grassland, Wetland, and Riparian Ecosystems within the Northern Great Plains
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Polgar, Monica
Four individual restoration projects were conducted across grassland, wetland, and riparian ecosystems in the Northern Great Plains, with common themes of adaptive management and enhancing native plant species presence. The first project, a grassland restoration, assessed interseeding treatment combinations to evaluated influences on plant community composition. The second grassland restoration focused on revegetation efforts utilizing multiple seed mixes on a highly modified site and looked to understand influences on species establishment and invasive species control. A wetland restoration project was conducted employing varying levels of treatment intensities with goals of establishing native vegetation in an invasive dominated site. The last project evaluated the potential to use riparian grazing as a means of stream restoration with goals of increasing floodplain accessibility and stream stability. Given the essential ecosystem services each system provides, it is important to conduct restoration studies to understand mechanisms supporting the continued rehabilitation of degraded systems.
Analysis of Current Conditions and Future Needs of the Public Water Supply System in Dili, East Timor
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Sarmento Lopes Da Cruz, Nizia Maria
This research focuses on the public water supply system in East Timor’s capital, Dili. Through this research the performance of the current public water supply system is evaluated, shortages in system capacity and operation are identified, and the future need is analyzed. Only 41.77% of Dili’s urban population currently has access to the public water supply system. A better documentation and record keeping of the water treatment plants’ operations is needed. As the population grows and city develops, more water will be needed in the future. The current public water supply system will not be adequate to supply water in the future because the water demand outweighs the design capacity of the current system. Therefore, a proper water supply system and management is highly needed, especially if the government of East Timor wants to achieve their target to supply continuous water in East Timor’s urban areas by 2030.
Assessment of Ecotourism on Community Development: Case of Ecotourism and the Ely Community
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Oumarou, Boubacar Hassane
This study evaluated ecotourism in Ely, Minnesota, gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the International Wolf Center. The study used Flora and Flora's (2008) community capitals framework to assess ecotourism effects on the community's capitals namely, natural, cultural, financial, built, human, social, and political capitals. For each of these capitals; postal and email correspondences, phone calls, and internet searches were used to collect government surveys, statistics, and documentary and photographic data. These data were presented in tables and analyzed using a descriptive method. The analyses revealed a positive effect of ecotourism on all the capitals and suggested that the community capital framework is a suitable model for ecotourism assessment and that ecotourism is contributing to the development of the community of Ely. Suggestions for further research were also offered.
Assessment of Wetland Water Quality and Plant Species Composition across the Rural, Peri-Urban, and Urban Gradient
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Steinman, Alexis
The Prairie Pothole Region, specifically eastern North Dakota, has experienced intense disturbance from agricultural demands and urban sprawl. This study assessed wetlands across the rural, peri-urban, and urban gradient to determine the impacts of urbanization on water quality and vegetation composition. Thirty wetlands were randomly selected and compared based on land use type and the impervious to pervious surface ratio within one mile of each wetland. Water quality samples were taken in 2015 and 2016, and a vegetation assessment was completed at all wetlands. Results indicate disturbance from urbanization impacts wetland water quality and vegetation composition. Rural wetland water quality and vegetation significantly differ from both peri-urban and urban wetlands, whereas peri-urban and urban wetland water quality and vegetation do not differ. Information from this study is useful to wetland professionals across the globe as urban development and sprawl continue to impact wetlands.
Avian Use of Rice Baited Trays Attached to Cages with Live Decoy Blackbirds in Central North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Winter, Jamison Brian
The viability of a management program using DRC-1339 (3-chloro-4-methylanaline hydrochloride) rice bait and live decoy blackbirds to reduce avian depredation on sunflower was assessed. In fall 2007 and 2008, observations were conducted at bait trays attached to decoy traps in central North Dakota. Study participants randomly visited the bait sites for 1-h intervals throughout daylight hours to record numbers, species, and ages (when possible) of blackbirds (targets) and nonblackbirds (non-targets) on the bait trays and nearby baited gravel roadsides. Researchers observed the bait trays for 1011 hand recorded 3,888 birds, representing 25 species, 12 families, and 3 unidentified birds. The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) (n=3,006) was the most common target species, whereas clay-colored sparrows (Spizel/a pa/Iida) (n=12) and savannah sparrows (Passercu/us sandwichensis) (n=12) were the most numerous non-target species observed on trays. The sparrow family (Emberizidae) was the most prevalent of non-target observations, with 50 individuals representing 8 species and 21 unidentified individual sparrows. Overall risk to non-target species appears minimal, and use by blackbird species was minimal in comparison to the local population. Baited roadsides were used infrequently by blackbirds. Based on this research, use of DRC-1339 rice-baited trays with accompanying live decoys and rice-baited roadsides are not cost-effective methods of reducing blackbird damage to sunflower.
Biological Capability of Selected Ecological Sites in the Western Dakotas
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Klempel, Lauren Nicole
Sharp-tailed grouse habitat on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands are assessed by habitat structure with the use of the Robel pole to measure visual obstruction readings (VOR). The purpose of this study was to determine 1) if all selected ecological sites (loamy, thin loamy, and claypan) are biologically capable of producing high structure (VOR > 3.5 in) with 3 years of protection from livestock grazing and 2) if strong and consistent correlations exist between standing crop and visual obstruction among ecological sites and across years. Results showed that 1) all selected ecological sites were biologically capable of producing high structure, 2) strong correlations between standing crop and visual obstruction were not consistent among ecological sites and across years, 3) year effects were evident in plant community composition, and 4) 2,534 kg∙ha-1 (se ± 205.3) of standing crop provides the mean threshold to determine if the selected ecological sites are biologically capable.
The Carbon Negative System: An Innovative System for Sustainable Community Development
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Monroe, Jade Marilyn
It is understood civilization may be entering the Anthropocene Epoch, characterized by human influences on Earth’s geology and environment. A growing body of literature highlights the ecological concerns affiliated with anthropocentric influences on the environment. This study indicates climate change and global CO2 emissions as an area of concern, and proposes the Carbon Negative System as a potential solution of many. The Carbon Negative System is comprised of three steps: land use and prairie vegetation, biochar process, and the system benefits. To illustrate these steps and to test the system’s viability, a case-study analysis was applied to the community of Fargo, North Dakota. The system is described and its benefits were indicated. A carbon budget and economic analysis were determined, and the system was applied to a resilience framework to synthesize the findings. Keywords: community development, biochar, prairie vegetation, ecosystem services, resilience, Anthropocene, climate change, carbon emissions
Change in Reference Condition Wetlands and Road Dust Impacts on Spider Mites
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Fritz, Savannah Joy
Increased disturbance from agriculture and the changing climate in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North Dakota may cause shifts in vegetation on wetland systems as well as increases in spider mite populations on soybeans. Part of this study focuses on wetlands functioning at the highest ecological state, or reference condition. Wetland plants serve as a good indicator for assessing wetland condition. The past and present Floristic Quality Index scores at each wetland site were significantly different (p < 0.05), indicating that vegetation at reference wetlands have declined in condition. Increased agriculture also leads to an increase in road dust on soybean fields, which increases the population of spider mites. Three separate experiments were completed on contained plaster arenas. These experiments produced mixed results. Spider mites produced more eggs on dusted arenas (p < 0.05) in experiment one while experiment two and three yielded the opposite result.
Climate Change throughout the Dakotas
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Uecker, Benjamin Robert
How is the climate changing on a county level throughout North Dakota (ND) and South Dakota (SD)? To determine this answer, 13 different climate variables were analyzed: temperature minimums and maximums, precipitation, growing degree days (GDD), season length, first and last frost dates, standardized precipitation index (SPI), Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), evapotranspiration (ET), solar radiation, dew point and wind speed. Annual and monthly climatic trends, per decade, were developed and analyzed by county. These climatic variables show various changes throughout North Dakota and South Dakota by either increasing, decreasing or staying the same.
A Comparison of Rangeland Monitoring Techniques for Relative Species Abundance in Northern Mixed Grass Prairie
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Field, Aaron
Clipping by species is one of the most accurate methods available for determining species composition. However, cost and time constraints often make clipping by species impractical on any large scale. Our objective was to determine whether either of two less labor intensive methods (line point intercept, quadrat frequency frame) could provide suitable alternatives to clipping. Data was collected as part of a rangeland monitoring project on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Each method was used to inventory grassland plant species within the same plots, which allowed us to analyze the results for each method side by side. Our findings indicate that for relative rankings of species abundance, both line point intercept and quadrat frequency frames produce a similar result as clipping and could be used interchangeably. We suggest using either line point intercept or quadrat frequency frames to produce such a list because of the reduced time inputs involved.
Corn Stover Removal Effects on Irrigated Sandy Outwash Soils in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Sanders, Dwayne Paul
Recent interest in utilizing corn (Zea Mays L.) stover for cellulosic ethanol and supplements for distillers' grain in livestock rations has increased corn stover demand. A study was established to evaluate corn stover removal on selected soil properties in irrigated sandy outwash soils under no-tillage management including continuous corn and corn-soybean (glycine max) rotations. For continuous corn, increasing stover removal rates (0 to 100%) increased the wind erodible soil fraction (25.4 to 36.6%), decreased the field-moist water stable soil aggregates (58.78 to 48.3%) and water infiltration rates (22.4 to 8.6 cm/hr). Water infiltration rates decreased in the corn phase of the corn-soybean rotation (16.8 to 10.8 cm/hr) and air-dry water stable aggregates decreased in the soybean phase of the corn soybean rotation (88.1% to 77.7%) for 100% removal when compared to 0% removal. Longer-term evaluation of stover removal is needed to fully evaluate stover removal effects on soil properties.
Crop Price and Land Use Change: Forecasting Response of Major Crops Acreage to Price and Economic Variables in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Soares, Abilio Barros
The objective of this study is to examine land use change for cropping systems in North Dakota. Using Seemingly Unrelated Regression with full information maximum likelihood estimation method, acreage forecasting models for barley, corn, oats, soybean, and wheat were developed to examine the extent to which farmers’ expectations of prices and costs affect their crop choices. The results of the study show that farmers’ decision for acreage allocation is varied across the crops depending on how responsive they are to price, cost and yield of its own and competing crops. Substitutability and complementarity relationship of crops in the production have positive effect on crops selection when facing price, cost, and yield changes. In addition, the results revealed that expected prices have little effect on acreage response compared to expected costs and yield variables in most of the crop models.
Effect of Aminopyralid on Crop Rotations and Native Forbs
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Mikkelson, Jonathan Randall
Aminopyralid often is used for invasive weed control in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land. As CRP land is returned to crop production, aminopyralid persistence in soil could limit future planting options. Field experiments were established near Casselton and Fargo, ND to evaluate the effect of aminopyralid soil residue on alfalfa, com, soybean, and sunflower planted one or two growing seasons after treatment. Aminopyralid caused no injury or yield reduction to alfalfa, com, and sunflower when seeded 20 or 23 mo after treatment (MAT) in Fargo. However, soybean yield was reduced when aminopyralid at 120 or 240 g ae/ha was fall- or spring-applied 20 or 23 months prior to seeding. In Casselton, aminopyralid applied in September caused much greater crop injury than when applied in June the year prior to planting. For example, aminopyralid at 120 g/ha applied in September caused 95, 94, and 100% injury to alfalfa, sunflower, and soybean, respectively, compared to 10, 8, and 44% injury when applied in June. Com yield was not affected by any aminopyralid treatment when planted 8 or 11 MAT. Com appeared to be the best cropping option for land that was recently treated with aminopyralid. The effect of temperature and moisture content on aminopyralid dissipation in four North Dakota soils was evaluated in growth chamber and greenhouse studies. Aminopyralid dissipated 2 to 8 times faster at 24 C than at 8 C and aminopyralid 50% dissipation rates (DT 50) ranged from 9 d in a Svea-Barnes loam at 24 C to 256 d in a Lamoure loamy sand at 8 C. Aminopyralid dissipation rates were similar in soils with moisture contents of 22.5 to 90% field capacity (FC) when incubated at 16 C and the average aminopyralid DT 50 ranged from 66 to 200 d. Soil conditions favorable to microbiological growth such as warm temperatures, moderate moisture contents, and high organic matter contents appeared to favor aminopyralid dissipation. In greenhouse trials, prairie forb susceptibility to aminopyralid varied by species. Azure aster, blanket flower, closed bottle gentian, purple coneflower, and showy goldenrod exhibited good tolerance to aminopyralid while great blue lobelia, harebell, prairie coneflower, and white prairie clover were sensitive.
Effectiveness and Simulated Impacts of Produced Water as a Dust Abatement in Western North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Graber, Kayla Marie
A road dust abatement alternative that has been considered in the Bakken and Three Forks formations is oil-well produced waters. Three previously untreated gravel roads were selected and passive dust collectors were utilized. The objectives of this study were to: 1) simulate produced water’s potential impacts to gravel road materials; 2) compare dust loading at abated and control sites to determine effectiveness; and 3) identify the elemental differences in the dust at abated and control sites. Electrical conductivity has the greatest influence on dispersion probability and clay mineralogy of the road influences the probability of dispersion. Produced water failed to reduce dust on two of the three roads that were tested. Elements that were found to be significantly different included Mo, Mn, Fe, As, Au, and Hg. Results of this study are important to road managers who are contemplating the usage of produced waters to reduce dusts from gravel roads.
Effects of Sediment Removal on Vegetation Communities in Prairie Pothole Wetlands in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Smith, Caitlin Langworthy
The goal of this study was to assess effects of sediment removal on vegetation communities in Prairie Pothole wetlands in North Dakota to determine if this management technique is providing desired results to create conditions for ideal vegetation communities in wetlands that will benefit wildlife. This project consists of vegetation surveys from seasonal wetlands located in Benson, Eddy. Towner. and Wells counties in North Dakota. Three types of wetlands were surveyed: natural (reference), excavated (treatment), and converted cropland. Vegetation surveys were completed in the shallow marsh and wet meadow zones of seasonal wetlands. Sites were sampled using a modified Daubenmire method. Aerial photos were assessed to determine the occurrence of drawdown cycles in wetland sites. Plant communities were analyzed using non-metric multidimensional scaling and multi-response permutation procedure was used to make comparisons between sites. The wet meadow zones and shallow marsh zones of the three types of wetlands were all significantly different (p<0.016) from one another. In general, restored wetlands show vegetation trends that liken natural wetlands while those that have been allowed to recover without restoration tend to be cattail choked. When examining hybrid cattail specifically visual obstruction scores were approximately four times greater in converted cropland sites versus treatment or reference sites. Vegetation composition indicates hydrologic conditions (fresh to brackish conditions) of specific sites and regional distribution are likely influential factors in wetland plant establishment.
Environmental Socialization: A Case Study on Formative Influences
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Herbst, Joseph
Twenty-first century social-ecologic systems are in the midst of a complex adaptive cycle. There is growing evidence to suggest the existence of a psycho-social developmental process whereby a person becomes situated in an environmental worldview. This process of environmental socialization has received attention in peer-reviewed journals. A case study was developed to see if qualitative methods could yield deeper insight. Depth interviewing and grounded theory analysis were used to explore student’s thoughts on formative influences deemed significant in the development of their own environmental perspective. The qualitative method used in the study was useful in probing the nuance, complexity, and significance of the student’s environmental socialization. Natural resource managers, educators, philanthropists, moral leaders, and concerned citizens can benefit when social constructs of environmental sustainability are better understood.
Estimating the Impact to Wetlands in Western North Dakota From Dust and Road Use Increases Due to Energy Development
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Creuzer, Jessica Christine
Travel on gravel roads in western North Dakota has increased in recent years due mainly to energy development and little information exists on the impacts. This project’s objective was to compare high dust impact sites and low dust impact sites to determine the effects of road dust on wetlands. Four aspects were evaluated: 1) dust loading; 2) wetland condition and function; 3) water quality; and 4) trace element changes in the soil. Dust loading was measured utilizing dust collectors. Wetlands were assessed for condition using the Index of Plant Community Integrity and North Dakota Rapid Assessment Method and function using the Hydrogeomorphic model. Monthly water quality measurements were taken and yearly soil samples. Results show greater dust loading in the high impact sites than low impact sites and spatially closer to the road. Information from this study can be used by future land managers of wetlands affected by dust.
Evaluation of Habitat Selection by Nesting Sharp-Tailed Grouse and Survivorship of Hens, Males, and Nests on the Grand River National Grasslands in Northwest South Dakota, USA
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Houchen, Dean Joseph
Plains sharp-tailed grouse nesting habitat was evaluated on the Grand River National Grasslands (GRNG) in northwest South Dakota, in the spring and summer of 2009 and 2010. Experiment #1 was conducted across the GRNG with hens and males trapped at 11 different lekking sites in 2009 and 2010. Study objectives were to 1) evaluate sharp-tailed grouse nest site selection based on habitat and describe vegetation composition and visual obstruction readings (VOR), 2) compare the use of semi-variance statistics to the commonly used co-efficient of variation to determine patch selection by sharp-tailed grouse, and 3) provide an example of how semi-variance statistical techniques can be used by wildlife scientists to evaluate habitat selection and patch size determination. Experiment #2 was designed to evaluate survivorship of female and male sharp-tailed grouse, and sharp-tailed grouse nests on the GRNG in the spring and summer of 2009 and 2010. Study objectives were to I) estimate nest survival rates of sharp-tailed grouse on the GRNG in northwest South Dakota, 2) evaluate the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on nest survival rates, and 3) estimate survival of male and female grouse during the nesting season. VOR data was collected at 275 random transects (143 in 2009 and 132 in 2010) and 46 used (nests) transects (22 in 2009 and 24 in 2010). Sharp-tailed grouse were trapped and fitted with necklace style transmitters. Over the two year study 163 sharp-tailed grouse were trapped and 100 of these individuals were fitted with radio collars ( 44 males and 56 females). Nests were monitored to determine fate. There was a difference (P:S0.05) in patch selection compared to what was available in 2009, but no difference in 2010. The comparison of semi-variance (SV) analysis to co-efficient of variation (CV) provided a conflicting report as SV showed selection for variability, while the CV showed a selection for low variability and a uniform height distribution of vegetation. Overall 41 of 56 collard hens initiated nests, with 5 hens initiating a second nest following the predation of her first (18 initial nest and 4 re-nests in 2009, and 23 initial nests and 1 re-nest in 2010). Vegetation measurements were taken at 46 nest sites. Overall, nest survival was 30% (29% in 2009 and 31 % in 2010). The best model for nest survival included maximum vegetation height and percent grass canopy cover as vegetation variables most related to nest survival. Nest survival increased with an increase in the maximum vegetation height and with increasing canopy cover of grass. All other models that included other vegetation characteristics as variables were not well supported (i.e., >2 MICc units). The constant survival model had more support than any of the models that included time dependent variables such as linear trend of time, maximum daily temperature, and nest age. The model that included a linear trend of time was the best time dependent model (MICc = 1.21 ). The model that combined a linear trend of time with the best vegetation model, maximum vegetation height plus percent canopy cover of grass, received less support than the vegetation model alone (MICc 0.77). Survival of male and female sharp-tailed grouse was 49% and 65%, respectively. We recommend managers develop strategies to maintain patches of tall dense vegetation structure. Patches of tall grass cover is an important component to sharp-tailed grouse nesting habitat. Thus, we recommend that management of grazing and use of mechanical treatments that leave patches of tall dense stands of grass in grass dominated ecosystems are beneficial to nesting sharp-tailed grouse.
Evaluation of Ring-Necked Pheasant Brood Rearing Habitat and Survival on Post-Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands in Southwest North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Mazza II, Mark
From 2008-2011, we analyzed brood habitat selection and survival of Chinese ringnecked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) from hatch until approximately 30 days post-hatch. We monitored 98 broods at two sites in Adams County, ND. These sites were previously enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and were being managed under a multiple land use system including hayed, idled and season-long grazed land as well as no-till corn (Zea mays) and no-till barley (Hordeum vulgare) crop treatments. Measurements pertaining to the insect and vegetation community and structure were recorded at utilized brood locations and available locations within the study sites. Variability in brood survival was best explained by precipitation events, temperature, brood age a linear and quadratic time trend. Comparisons among models were made using Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc). Within our study area, no habitat selection was found in the season-long, hay, and idle treatments with respect to the habitat variables we measured.
The Evaluation of Soil Carbon Levels on Post-contract Conservation Reserve Program Lands in Southwestern North Dakota using Multiple Agricultural Use Practices
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Sebesta, Eva Lynn
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) removes highly erodible lands from production for a contract period of 10 to 15 years. During the contract period permanent vegetation cover is established, allowing biological, chemical, and physical soil properties to stabilize and potentially improve. As CRP contracts expire, these idle lands may return to agricultural use. Understanding the influence of various agricultural practices on post-contract CRP lands will enable landowners to make the best management choices. This four-year study focused on the potential impacts of livestock grazing, cropping systems, and vegetative cover on soil carbon levels and species composition on post-contract CRP lands in a semi-arid climate. A randomized complete block design (n = 2) was developed using four treatments, including season-long grazing (SL), a one-cut haying system (HAY), barley: com rotational cropping system (CROP), and non-use simulating idle CRP (CTRL). Moderate grazing targeting 50% herbage disappearance occurred on the SL treatment from mid-June through early January. Barley was harvested as hay in mid-July. Com was left as standing stockpiled forage. Cattle grazed the barley stubble and standing com from early January through mid-April. Four 100-meter transects were established in each treatment and were used to collect vegetation and soil data. Soil samples were analyzed for inorganic, organic, and total carbon. Results indicate that grazing, haying, and cropping systems do not adversely affect soil carbon levels after 4 years of agricultural use when compared to idle CRP. Species composition on grasslands also did not change during the study due to grazing, haying, or non-use. The findings of this study support the use of no-till cropping, one-cut haying, and moderate grazing for maintaining soil carbon levels and species composition on post-contract CRP lands.

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