North Dakota

State bird, other grassland species, decline in area, study finds

Published

12 months ago

August 12, 2023

State bird, other grassland species, decline in area, study finds

JAMESTOWN — Declines in grassland bird species could be attributed to increases in acres of corn and soybeans, according to a recent study by wildlife biologists.

The study was authored by Max Post van der Burg, research ecologist at the U.S. Geological Service’s Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, and looked at the bobolink, grasshopper sparrow, Savannah sparrow and western meadowlark in North Dakota from 1998 to 2021.

“Wildlife managers in this part of the world have been talking about the decline of grassland birds that’s been going on for decades,” he said. “We looked at a more recent period of time and a shift in crops that has incentivized crops like corn and soybeans.”

The same period has seen a reduction in acres of the more traditional small-grain crops of wheat, oats and barley and a reduction in native grassland acres.

“Meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrow seem to be the most affected,” Post van der Burg said. “They seem to be indicators of what is going on.”

The decline in grassland birds is also an indicator of possible declines in other species that rely on grasslands such as certain species of bees and butterflies, he said.

Post van der Burg said the changing crop patterns in the region are reducing the nesting habitat for the grassland birds and their ability to feed on bugs and seeds that would be more plentiful in their normal habitat.

The study indicated the biggest declines in grassland birds were in areas where corn and soybeans are prevalent. The species are affected less by small-grain farming and the oil and gas production found in western North Dakota, Post van der Burg said.

“While oil and gas infrastructure and associated human activity and noise can negatively affect birds, these effects may be more localized,” he said.

None of the grassland bird species are currently listed by the federal government as an endangered species.

However, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has listed the meadowlark, the state bird of North Dakota, as a Level II species of conservation priority since 2015, according to Bruce Kreft, conservation supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

“The state is part of the meadowlark initiative,” he said. “We are hoping to work with private landowners to promote grassland restoration.”

Kreft said the program’s intent is to stop the decline of grassland species such as the meadowlark.

“It is in the best interest of everybody to keep species from being federally listed as threatened or endangered,” he said.

Post van der Burg said the increase in corn and soybean acres has been driven by demand created by the production of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel.

“I think it is pretty clear as we move forward we are trying to grapple with the idea of where we get energy from,” he said.

Dana Hager, executive director of the North Dakota ethanol council, said the study had not been discussed at any of its meetings.

Post van der Burg said he believed the decline in grassland birds and other species can be reversed, if there are habitat changes.

“It just requires a financial and time investment,” he said.

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North Dakota

Tuesday is Military Appreciation Day at the ND State Fair

Published

5 hours ago

July 22, 2024

Press Room

Tuesday is Military Appreciation Day at the ND State Fair

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – This is a reminder for servicemembers and their families that the North Dakota State Fair is continuing its long-standing tradition of honoring those who serve with a special Military Appreciation Day on Tuesday.

Military members and their families can enjoy lunch from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the north festival tent.

The event is sponsored by the N.D. Beef Commission, N.D. Stockmen’s Association, and N.D. CattleWomen.

They can also enjoy free carnival rides from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., half-off unlimited ride wristbands, and $2 off go-cart rides.

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North Dakota

Applications now available for 2024 North Dakota swan license

Published

12 hours ago

July 22, 2024

Press Room

Applications now available for 2024 North Dakota swan license

BISMARCK – Hunters can now apply for a 2024 North Dakota swan license

on the Game and Fish Department’s website

at gf.nd.gov, the department said Monday, July 22.

North Dakota residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. The resident swan license is $10, while the nonresident fee is $30. The application deadline is Aug. 21.

North Dakota’s statewide tundra swan hunting season opens Sept. 28, and 2,200 licenses are available. Successful applicants will receive a tag to take one swan during the season. Since swans are classified as waterfowl, nonresidents may hunt them only during the period their nonresident waterfowl license is valid.

All swan hunters, regardless of age, are required to have a general game and habitat license when applying. In addition, nonresidents must have a waterfowl license, and residents 16 and older need a small game or combination license.

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North Dakota

Zebra Mussels In North Dakota Lakes: Will It Really Be That Bad?

Published

19 hours ago

July 22, 2024

Press Room

Zebra Mussels In North Dakota Lakes: Will It Really Be That Bad?

Zebra mussels are going to ruin all of our lakes right?

Okay, I know I’m going to take some heat on this, but here goes. We’ve been hearing about zebra mussels for a long time now. How they will destroy ecosystems, ruin beaches, clog up water intakes, compete with native species, etc.

You’ve seen the commercials and billboards from North Dakota Game and Fish, “Clean, Drain and Inspect.” Zebra mussels are a problem, but is it really all doom and gloom? More on that in a moment.

Zebra mussels are now in several North Dakota lakes and rivers, and you can bet more will be added in the future.

They include the Red River, Lake LaMoure, Lake Ashtabula, Lake Elsie, the James River, and the Sheyenne River all in eastern North Dakota.

So far western North Dakota has been spared, but you can bet zebra mussels are coming. Here’s a map and more on ANS-infested waters in North Dakota.

Humans are considered the primary transporter of zebra mussels, but there are other spreaders. According to Researchgate, waterfowl can transfer zebra mussels at the larvae stage.

What are we going to do about millions of migrating waterfowl each year? Not to mention other shorebirds, reptiles, and even mammals.

I’m very familiar with zebra mussels. I have a cabin on Enemy Swim Lake in northeast South Dakota. We’ve had zebra mussels present in the lake now going on for 3 years.

(A very small zebra mussel that was found on our beach this past weekend.)

Enemy Swim is located about 5 miles south of Pickerel Lake in South Dakota. Pickerel Lake has had zebra mussels for a few years longer than my lake.

Despite joint efforts from Fish and Game, cabin owner volunteers, and interns from Fish and Game with inspection points at the boat ramp, zebra mussels still found their way into my lake. I know we all did our part to prevent it, but I sometimes think that eventually, nature will take its course.

Will zebra mussels really ruin a lake?

There’s a lot of big claims and theories out there. No doubt it will affect your beach life. You will have to wear water shoes because zebra muscles can be sharp and could cut your feet. I know I swim with my water shoes normally anyway, as I don’t like creepy crawlies touching my feet in the water.

Will zebra mussels cause your lake property values to crash?

To be honest, no sign of that anywhere. Much of Minnesota’s lakes are infested with zebra mussels. People are still spending millions of dollars for cabins on Minnetonka, Pelican, or Detroit Lakes area lakes.

Even Pickerel Lake, next to my lake has people snatching up some very expensive million-dollar cabins. You can’t even find a cabin for sale on my lake. According to swnewsmedia, there’s no link between a drop in property values and zebra muscles.

Zebra mussels will actually clear up the water they infest.

This might improve the fishing, depending on the lake. Species like Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Walleyes, and even panfish are known to gorge on zebra mussels. You might catch bigger fish because of this.

With cleaner water means you will have more sunlight and more vegetation in the lake. Again, this is thought to improve the size of the fish. Fish will have more places to hide and grow bigger. It may cause anglers to adapt to new strategies to catch fish. In some cases, it could make fishing more difficult.

As far as whether zebra mussels will destroy the ecosystem of lakes?

I’m going to come right out and say it. I think this is highly exaggerated. I’m not a biologist and don’t claim to be one.

Zebra mussels have been in the Great Lakes since the 1980’s. The Walleyes and Smallmouth Bass have never been bigger. People are still catching fish and lakes are still alive.

Zebra mussels have been in Minnesota lakes now for decades and the cabin owners I know say nothing has changed except a little extra cleaning on the docks when they pull them out each year.

Lakes like Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, and all of the lakes around Detroit Lakes are still alive and well.

Let’s face it: Even the highly prized Walleye is an invasive species to lakes in our area.

In conclusion:

When zebra mussels reach your favorite lake it will certainly change the ecosystem. Your “lake life” will likely have to adapt to some necessary changes.

However, will zebra mussels turn your lake into a barren wastewater? I don’t think so. Adapt or die. That’s life in a nutshell.

Do I want zebra mussels in our lakes? No, of course not. However, I’m being realistic. Sometimes you have to look for the good with the bad.

North Dakota’s Top 11 Lakes According To Our Fans

Plant Some Of These In Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As we previously told you, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from you’re yard, these plants can help!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

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