Assessment of Prairie Pothole Conditions and Plant Community Composition on FWS Fee-Title Lands

Abstract

Conditions of wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region have been severely degraded due to anthropogenic disturbances, such as cultivation and climate change. To maintain or restore the diversity and integrity of these ecosystems we must first understand what condition they are in and what current factors are driving wetland conditions on a region-wide scale. This study aimed to assess wetland conditions and determine what the major plant community drivers were on FWS fee-title lands. Assessments showed wetlands in native grassland are in better condition than those in reseeded grasslands and seasonal wetlands are in better condition than temporary wetlands. It was clear plant communities are being largely driven by the cover of invasive species within each given wetland zone. Differences in wetland conditions and invasive versus native species cover are likely the result of past and present disturbance on FWS fee-title lands.