SOUTH DAKOTA COOPERATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
135	0899	1050	15%
135	0899	1060	20%
135	0899	1070	20%
605	0899	1050	15%
605	0899	1060	15%
605	0899	1070	15%

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience:Taget audience includes fish and wildlife biologists with State and Federal resource agencies; general public with interest in fish and wildlife management; NGO's interested in conservation of natural resources. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A master's student associated with this project recieved technical training in AIC analysis and statistical design. Other training opportunities included First Aid/CPR, Motorboat Operator Certification Course, and field sampling techniques for large river fishes. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several publicaions related to this project and resulting informaiton on pallid sturgeon ecologyhave been desimentation.The Master's studente associated with this project recent completed and published her Master's thesis. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Knowledge about feeding and growth dynamics of larval pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) is important for identifying rearing areas and monitoring habitat restoration efforts. Use of ecological models to estimate growth potential of larval pallid sturgeon represents a new approach for assessing habitat suitability for this critical life stage. In this project, we developed a bioenergetics model to determine optimal temperature for growth in young-of-year pallid sturgeon. To parameterize the model, we estimated metabolic demands and growth of pallid sturgeon subjected to a range of temperatures commonly found in the Missouri River (13-24°C). We used static respirometry to quantify routine respiration rate. Exogenously feeding larvae were fed chironomids over a range of ration levels (0-50% body weight) to determine maximum consumption and estimate growth. Larval pallid sturgeon exhibited a 77% increase in metabolic rates and a 52% increase in consumption rates from 13-24°C. Critical thermal maximum was evaluated by increasing temperatures 1°C every half hour from acclimation temperatures until lethal temperatures were achieved (34°C). Upper, lethal temperatures were significantly different between endogenous and exogenous larvae acclimated at water temperatures of 13-24°C. On the average, lethal temperatures for endogenous larvae were 2.6 to 3.5°C lower than those for exogenous fish. The quantification of these bioenergetic parameters will allow us to estimate energetic requirements of larval pallid sturgeon, to make growth predictions from field observations, and to determine availability of optimal temperature ranges within the Missouri River.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Behney, A. C., R. OShaughnessy, M. W. Eichholz, and J. D. Stafford. 2014. Influence of item distribution pattern and abundance on efficiency of benthic core sampling. Wetlands. DOI 10.1007/s13157-014-0570-x. Davis, J.L., M.E. Barnes, J.L. Kientz, and A.G. Galinat. 2014. Effects of fish length and anatomical placement on retention of visible implant tags in hatchery-reared rainbow trout. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 34:932-937. Dembkowski, D.J., S.R. Chipps, and B.G. Blackwell. 2014. Response of walleye and yellow perch to water-level fluctuations in glacial lakes. Fisheries Management and Ecology 21:89-95. Fincel, M.J., D.J. Dembkowski, and S.R. Chipps. 2014. Influence of variable rainbow smelt and gizzard shad abundance on walleye diets and growth. Lake and Reservoir Management 30:258-267. Fincel, M.J., D.A. James, S.R. Chipps and B.A. Davis. 2014. Using cumulative diet data and stable isotope analysis to determine trophic position of walleye Sander vitreus in a large, complex system. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 29:441-447. French, W.E., B.D.S. Graeb, S.R. Chipps, and R.A. Klumb. 2014. Vulnerability of age-0 pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus to predation: effects of predator type, turbidity, body size, and prey density. Environmental Biology of Fishes 97:635-646. Gigliotti, L. M., and A. Dietsch. 2014. Does age matter? The influence of age on response rates in a mixed-mode survey. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 19: 280-287. Gigliotti, L.M., and C. Huxoll. 2014. Human dimensions and economic values of waterfowl hunting in South Dakota. Pages 335-350 in K.C. Jensen, K. F. Higgins, and S. J. Vaa., compilers. A history of waterfowl management, research, and hunting in South Dakota. South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Pierre. Gray, M. J., H. M. Hagy, J. A. Nyman, and J. D. Stafford. 2013. Management of wetlands for wildlife. Pages 121-180 in J. T. Anderson and C. A. Davis, editors. Wetland Techniques: Volume 3: Applications and Management. Springer Science. DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-6907-6_4. Hagy, H. M., A. P. Yetter, K. W. Stodola, M. M. Horath, C. S. Hine, M. P. Ward, T. J. Benson, R. V. Smith, and J. D. Stafford. 2014. Stopover duration of mallards during autumn in the Illinois River valley. Journal of Wildlife Management 78:747752. Hayer, C.A., B.M. Holcomb, and S.R. Chipps. 2013. Association between iron concentration and productivity in Montane streams of the Black Hills, South Dakota. The Prairie Naturalist 45:68-76. James, D.A., K. Mosel, and S.R. Chipps. 2014. The influence of light, stream gradient and iron on Didymosphenia geminata bloom development in the Black Hills, South Dakota. Hydrobiologia 721:117-127. Levengood, J. M., R. V. Smith, D. A. Gay, M. A. Davis, and J. D. Stafford. 2014. Mercury in migrating shorebirds in the Illinois River valley. Waterbirds 37:225229. Mammenga, P. D., J. D. Stafford, and M. Grovijahn. 2014. Waterfowl Nesting Structures. Pages 277-308 in K. C. Jensen, K. F. Higgins and S. J. Vaa, editors. A History of Waterfowl Management, Research, and Hunting in South Dakota. ONeal, B. J., J. D. Stafford, and R. P. Larkin. 2014. Migrating ducks in inland North America ignore major rivers as leading lines? Ibis. DOI 10.1111/ibi.12193. Pearse, A. T. and J. D. Stafford. 2014. Error propagation in energetic carrying capacity models. Journal of Conservation Planning 10:1724.

Progress 01/01/12 to 09/30/12

Outputs
Target Audience: Wildlife biologists and fisheries researchers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The association between habitat conditions and recruitment of pallid sturgeon has important implications for conservation management. Research efforts in 2012 focused on developing experimental techniques for quantifying feeding rates and prey selectivity for age-0 sturgeon. Thirty minute feeding trials were deemed sufficient for determining prey selectivity and functional feeding response of young sturgeon. This information was used to evaluate daily feeding rates on chironomid prey, which were shown to be preferred prey of sturgeon. Subsequent work will use these data in the development of a foraging model that can be applied to site-specific data in the Missouri River to estimate growth potential of age-0 pallid sturgeon.

Publications

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goals of 2001 research activities were to better understand the influence of physiochemical and watershed characteristics on mercury contaminant in fishes. Studies evaluated the influence of local water quality attributes and land use patterns on mercury flux in aquatic environments. Outputs for 2011 included a peer-reviewed publication that was disseminated to State and Federal natural resource agencies that include South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. PARTICIPANTS: Steven R. Chipps. Served as Principal Investigator and contributed to data analysis and manuscript preparation. Partner organizations included South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
South Dakota currently has nine lakes and impoundments that exceed fish tissue mercury advisory limits of 1.0 mg kg−1 total mercury, far exceeding US Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration 0.3 mg kg−1 consumption criteria. Previous studies suggest that increased aquatic productivity may mitigate the effects of biological production and subsequent uptake of methyl mercury through bio-dilution; however, it is uncertain whether these trends may exist within highly alkaline and highly productive aquatic conditions common to South Dakota lakes and impoundments. Using data from lakes and reservoirs, we found that water alkalinity, a proxy measure of lake productivity, was positively related to fish mercury concentration, suggesting that trophic state of lakes is a reasonable indicator of fish mercury bioaccumulation. Similarly, models based on watershed attributes and local habitat features explained >80% of the variation in walleye mercury concentration where local habitat features such as substrate composition and maximum lake depth provided the best model in explaining walleye mercury concentration. These results show that physical habitat and watershed features are good predictors of fish mercury concentration and highlight the continuing need to minimize eutrophication through effective watershed management strategies.

Publications

Stone, J.J., C.M. McCutcheon, L.D. Stetler, and S.R. Chipps. 2011. Interrelationships between fish tissue mercury concentrations and water quality for South Dakota natural lakes and impoundments. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 222:337-349.

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Accomplishments in 2010 were related to conservation of threatened and endangered species and factors associated with mercury concentration in fishes. The goals of research activities were to better understand 1) habitat needs for threatened and endangered species (i.e. pallid sturgeon), and 2) the influence of physiochemical and watershed characteristics on contaminant concentration in fishes. PARTICIPANTS: Steve Chipps, Will French, Cari Ann Hayer TARGET AUDIENCES: US Army Corps of Engineers, US Forest Service, NRCS, US EPA PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Ontogenetic diet shifts are hypothesized to contribute to size-dependent mortality, yet the size or age when this change occurs in the federally endangered pallid sturgeon (Schaphirhynchus albus) is essentially unknown. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare trophic position of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in the Missouri River using stable isotope analysis. Pallid sturgeon N15 values were positively correlated with fork length and could be separated into 3 length groups (325-500mm, 500-800mm, 800-1057mm), spanning two trophic levels. In contrast, shovelnose sturgeon N15 values suggested fish feed at a similar trophic level across the size range sampled. Pallid sturgeon C13 values were also positively correlated with fork length and suggest two groups utilizing distinct carbon sources, whereas shovelnose sturgeon C13 values were not correlated with fork length, suggesting a single carbon source. Patterns in isotopic composition suggested that pallid sturgeon shift from invertebrates to fish prey at larger sizes (>600 mm FL). We explored the influence of physiochemical and watershed attributes on mercury concentration in walleye (Sander vitreus, M.). Using an information theoretic approach, we found that water quality attributes were poor predictors of walleye mercury concentration in South Dakota glacial lakes. In contrast, models based on watershed attributes and local habitat features explained >80% of the variation in walleye mercury concentration. Local habitat features such as substrate composition and maximum lake depth provided the best model in explaining walleye mercury concentration. These results show that physical habitat and watershed features were better predictors of walleye mercury concentration than water chemistry in glacial lakes of the Northern Great Plains.

Publications

Hayer, C.A., S. R. Chipps, and J.J. Stone. 2010. Influence of Physiochemical and Watershed Characteristics on Mercury Concentration in Walleye, Sander vitreus, M. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, in press.
French, W. E., B. D. S. Graeb, S. R. Chipps, K. N. Bertrand, T. M. Selch, and R. A. Klumb. 2010. Vulnerability of age-0 pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus to fish predation. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 26:6-10.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Accomplishments in 2009 were related to conservation of threatened and endangered species, influence of land use on wetland resources and ecology of riverine fishes. The goals of research activities were to better understand 1) habitat needs for threatened and endangered species (i.e. sage grouse and pallid sturgeon), 2) the influence of land use on aquatic resources (e.g., wetlands, streams, rivers),and 3) how fish assemblage variability influences biomonitoring results. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Conservation of threatened and endangered species: We investigated nest site selection by greater sage-grouse and nest survival in North Dakota during 2005 - 2006. Sage-grouse selected nest sites in sagebrush Artemisia spp. with more total vegetative cover, greater sagebrush density, and greater 1-m visual obstruction from the nest than at random sites. Using catch data from 2003 to 2006, the spatial distribution of juvenile pallid sturgeon was evaluated using spatial scan statistics. Presence ⁄ absence of pallid sturgeon was summarized from a variety of gear types. Distribution patterns identified using data from summer trammel nets agreed well with the overall pooled dataset and could be used to identify areas with a high probability of pallid sturgeon presence. This methodology can be used to identify areas where pallid sturgeon are likely to occur, thus improving sampling efficiency for monitoring vital statistics for this endangered species. Wetland resources: We evaluated drainage patterns, landscape impacts on wetland quality, and developed a method of prioritizing wetlands for conservation in Eastern South Dakota. Agricultural conversion was the main reason for wetland drainage and modification and that wetland drainage occurred close to historical drainage districts. Landscape level assessments were done using the Landscape Development Intensity Index (LDI); in general, nutrient loading indices were positively correlated to LDI, implying that the LDI is useful for characterizing potential wetland disturbance at the landscape level. Using site-specific data, we developed and quantified wetland condition using the South Dakota Wetland Rapid Assessment protocol (SD-WRAP). The SD-WRAP developed here provides a relatively quick and simple approach for gathering site specific data, and can provide an important tool for wetland monitoring and assessment, as well as identify potential reference sites. ecology of riverine fishes: The fish assemblages in the piedmont streams of the Black Hills (Whitewood Creek, Beaver Creek) were faunally distinct from downstream reaches of the Belle Fourche, Little Cheyenne, and Big Cheyenne rivers. The longitudinal variability in fish faunal structure should be taken into account when assessing river health. A similar analysis of the longitudinal variability of fishes in the Forest River in North Dakota showed the serial discontinuity that occurs because of habitat fragmentation by dams. River research extended beyond the stream banks into flood plain wetlands as data analysis and writing continued for a study of stream fish use of livestock watering ponds (dugouts) in the floodplain. Dugouts in the Six-Mile Creek watershed were populated by all 20 stream fish species including the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis Topeka). Livestock dugouts in frequently flooded zones can provide off-channel habitat for fish.

Publications

Spindler, B. D., S. R. Chipps, R. A. Klumb, and M. C. Wimberly. 2009. Spatial analysis of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus distribution in the Missouri River, South Dakota. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 25(2):8-13.
Wuellner, M. R., D. W. Willis, S. R. Chipps, R. Hanten, and K. Potter. 2009. Predator-prey relations in large South Dakota reservoirs; Job 1: Seasonal walleye and smallmouth bass diets and growth in Lake Sharpe. South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks Fisheries Completion Report 09-14, Pierre, South Dakota.
Bakker, K. K. and K. F. Higgins. 2009. Planted grasslands and native sod prairie: equivalent habitat for grassland birds Western North American Naturalist 69(2):235-242.
Fincel, M. J., S. R. Chipps, and D. H. Bennett. 2009. Composition and location of simulated lake-shore redds influence incubation success in kokanee, Oncorhynchus nerka. Fisheries Management and Ecology 16:395-398.
Graeb, B. D. S., D. W. Willis, and B. D. Spindler. 2009. Shifts in sauger spawning locations after 40 years of reservoir ageing: influence of a novel delta ecosystem in the Missouri River, USA. River Research and Applications 25:153-159.
Grohs, K. L., R. A. Klumb, S. R. Chipps, and G. A. Wanner. 2009. Ontogenetic patterns in prey use by pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River, South Dakota and Nebraska. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 25(2):48-53.
Kahara, S. N., R. M. Mockler, K. F. Higgins, S. R. Chipps, and R. R. Johnson. 2009. Spatiotemporal patterns of wetland occurrence in the prairie pothole region of eastern South Dakota. Wetlands 29(2):678-689.
Herman-Brunson, K. M., K. C. Jensen, N. W. Kaczor, C. C. Swanson, M. A. Rumble, and R. W. Klaver. 2009. Nesting ecology of greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus at the eastern edge of their historic distribution. Wildlife Biology 15(3):237-246.
Hoagstrom, C. W., C-A. Hayer, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2009. Criteria for determining native distributions of biota: the case of the northern plains killifish in the Cheyenne River drainage, North America. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 19:88-95.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Accomplishments in 2008 were related to aquatic species risk assessments, conservation of threatened species, and mercury contamination in fish. Aquatic invasive plant and animal species (AIS) have become both an economic and environmental concern throughout the United States and the world. The economic costs of AIS in the US are at least $137 billion a year and AIS have been a major cause of the decline in recent extinctions of native species. Aquatic nuisance species threaten South Dakota's aquatic communities and associated habitats. The risk assessment conducted by Unit staff identified 61 aquatic nuisance species considered most relevant to South Dakota, 13 of which were identified as primary species of concern for economic and biological reasons. The fish assemblage of the White River and its tributaries within Badlands National Park (BNP) are unique because of harsh stream conditions. The fish assemblage is dominated by native species, but the fish fauna has been sparsely sampled except for 10 reaches on the mainstem (three sites in BNP). Study of fishes in the White River and Cheyenne River tributaries on BNP and in bison watering ponds focused on National Park Service (NPS) lands where unique management challenges exist. Largemouth bass were the only species collected in the bison watering ponds. Sixteen fish species were present in the White River, and 23 in the Cheyenne River. Plains minnow and flathead chub dominated the catch in both rivers. Mercury contamination in fishes has become an important issue in South Dakota. Several regional lakes and impoundments have recently been identified as having high fish mercury concentrations (i.e., >1 ppm). However, factors contributing to high mercury levels in South Dakota lakes are not well understood. The combined effects of high water levels and increased atmospheric deposition of mercury across the landscape likely contribute to increased mercury concentration. Lakes that experienced the greatest change in surface area between wet (2000) and dry (1987) years contained walleye with the highest Hg concentrations. These results suggest that Hg contamination of walleyes and other sport fishes in Prairie Pothole lakes should be monitored regularly, particularly after water levels increase, and surface area change may prove to be a reliable predictor for identifying lakes with a potential risk of Hg contamination. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Impact: Information generated from this research was used by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to develop management guidelines for detecting and sampling aquatic invasive species in South Dakota and to identify mercury contamination issues in regional lakes and wetlands. Fisheries data from bison watering ponds in Badlands National Park were used by National Park Service staff to develop management plans for aquatic resources.

Publications

Rasmus, R. A., Q. E. Phelps, J. P. Duehr, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2008. Population characteristics of lotic orangespotted sunfish. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 23:459-461.
Selch, T. M., C. W. Hoagstrom, E. J. Weimer, J. P. Duehr, and S. R. Chipps. 2007. Influence of fluctuating water levels on mercury concentrations in adult walleye. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 79:36-40.
Selch, Trevor M. 2008. Factors affecting mercury accumulation in South Dakota fishes. Doctoral dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota. 141 pp.
Thomson, Sheila K. 2008. The influence of livestock watering ponds (dugouts) on native stream fishes, especially the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka). M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota. 180 pp.
Berry, C. R. Jr. 2008. South Dakotas Water Estate. Quality on Tap, Magazine of the Kingbrook Rural Water System, 3(4):8-9.
Bertrand, K. N. 2008. South Dakota Aquatic Nuisance Species Risk Assessment. Final Report, submitted to South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Pierre, South Dakota.
Hayer, C-A., S. S. Wall, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2008. Evaluation of predicted fish distribution models for rare fish species in South Dakota. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28:1259-1269.
Hoagstrom, C. W. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2008. Morphological diversity among fishes in a Great Plains river drainage. Hydrobiologia 596:367-386.

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Accomplishments in 2007 continued the study of wild bird conservation in livestock pastures and associated wetlands. In West River pastures, Western Willet, Upland Sandpiper, and Marbled Godwit preferred large patches of native grasslands that were grazed and intermixed with wetlands. A review of about 1,400 literature sources on key species of upland nesting shorebirds indicated that there was a lack of baseline data for all aspects of life history, population status, and trends, distribution, habitat needs and structured survey methodology. Occurrence records for these species were sparse and most data were collected during game bird surveys. Fragmented and unfragmented landscapes in East River pastures and wetlands were investigated relative to the nesting success of several common bird species. Common birds were Chestnut-collared Longspur, Western Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Ring-necked Pheasant, dabbling ducks (e.g., mallard, pintail, teal), and the (temporarily because of migration) Lesser Scaup. Nest success of upland birds and dabbling ducks in pastures depended on pasture size and the surrounding amount of grasslands. Pastures were in moderately grazed patches, which were either < 50 ha or > 100 ha, while the surrounding landscape was in two categories (< 40% grassland and > 50% grassland). Response to landscape and patch variables varied among species. Larger patches were positively correlated with daily Longspur survival and with duck nesting. Parasitism rates of Savannah and Grasshopper nests also decreased in large patches compared to small. Nest success rates for Meadowlarks were highest in small patches surrounded by high percent grass. Daily nest survival rates for Meadowlarks and two sparrow species were higher in landscapes with > 50 % grassland habitat around pastures. Landscapes with high densities of semipermanent wetlands attracted more Lesser Scaup than did landscapes dominated by temporary wetlands, thus explaining the affiliation of these birds with South Dakota's Prairie Coteau. The Coteau has the highest density of semipermanent wetlands of all the physiographic regions in eastern South Dakota. However, the total wet area expands and contracts in wet and dry years and this would explain the shifting pattern of use by Lesser Scaup as a natural response to wetland area. These results have been compiled as theses, published in peer-reviewed journals, presented orally at scientific meetings, and presented to the lay public as a magazine article. PARTICIPANTS: Theses and publications of the following students were directly related to this project Gardner, Dawn, M. S. Student, 2007 completion Kahara, Sharon, Ph.D. Student, 2007 completion Berman, Gillian, M. S. Student, 2007 completion Strand, Kim, M.S. Student, 2006 completion Mockler, Rachael, M. S. Student, 2006 completion The following people provided assistance with project design, student advising, field work and GIS databases for upand and wetland vegetation. Bakker, Kristal, Dakota State University Faculty, Biology Department Vaa, Spencer, State Waterfowl Biologist, Department Game, Fish and Parks Johnson, Rex, Biologist, U. S. Fish and wildlife Service Jensen, K. C., SDSU Faculty, Wildlife and Fisheries Department TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences were state and federal management agencies and university extension personnel who deal with livestock grazing and wildlife conservation. Delivery of the science-based knowledge was by formal classroom instruction and laboratory instruction by field trips, and by workshops and poppular magazine articles.

Impacts
The new information was a change in knowledge that led to changes in the actions of mangement agencies (e.g., South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks) as they developed management guidelines for livestock grazing and conservation plans for birds. Conservation plans should include provisions for preserving large tracts of grasslands containing a mosaic of vegetation heights and wetland complexes. The new information led to new research to fill in data gaps in bird ecology, and to research on new standardized survey methods.

Publications

Berman, Gillian M. 2007. Nesting success of grassland birds in fragmented and unfragmented landscapes of north central South Dakota. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Hoagstrom, C. W., C-A. Hayer, J. G. Kral, S. S. Wall, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2006. Rare and declining fishes of South Dakota: a river drainage scale perspective. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 85:171-211.
Hoagstrom, C. W., S. S. Wall, J. G. Kral, B. G. Blackwell, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2007. Zoogeographic patterns and faunal change of South Dakota fishes. Western North American Naturalist 67(2):161-184.
Kahara, S. N. 2007. Modeling wetland use by spring-mirgating lesser scaup in eastern South Dakota. Ph.D. Dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Smith, J. B., L. D. Flake, K. F. Higgins, and G. D. Kobriger. 2006. Microhabitat characteristics related to lek abandonment by greater sage grouse in the Dakotas. Intermountain Journal of Science 12(1-2):1-11.
Strand, K. A., S. R. Chipps, S. N. Kahara, K. F. Higgins, and S. J. Vaa. 2007. Patterns of prey use by lesser scaup Aythya affinis (Aves) and diet overlap with fishes during spring migration. Hydrobiologia 595:8-17.
Berry, C. R. Jr. 2006. Fish and wildlife connections to forests along prairie rivers. Proceedings of the 10th Annual Missouri River Natural Resource Conference, May 9-12, Sioux City, Nebraska.
Bouchard, M. A., K. F. Higgins, D. M. Gardner, C. R. Berry Jr., and S. R. Chipps. 2006. An annotated bibliography of published articles (1861-2004) about the fish resources of South Dakota. South Dakota State University. Pp 136.
Bouska, W. W. and J. A. Jenks. 2006. Effects of grazing on small mammal abundance in eastern South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 85:113-118.
Gardner, Dawn M. 2007. Synthesis of western willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus) marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa), and upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) research in South Dakota, 1843-2006. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Hayer, C-A., B. C. Harland, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2006. Recent range extensions, name changes and status updates for selected South Dakota fishes. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 85:247-265.
Higgins, K. F., R. G. Osborn, and D. E. Naugle. 2007. Effects of wind turbines on birds and bats in southwestern Minnesota, U.S.A. Chapter 8. Pages 153-175 in Birds and Wind Farms: Risk Assessment and Mitigation. M. de Lucas, G. F. E. Janss, and M. Ferrer, editors. Servicios Informativos Ambientales/Quercus Publishing, Madrid, Spain. 275 pp.
Hoagstrom, C. W., A. C. DeWitte, N. J. C. Gosch, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2006. Perennial-warmwater fish communities of the Cheyenne River drainage: a seasonal assessment. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 85:213-245.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Accomplishments in 2006 were related to fish and wildlife conservation in livestock pastures. Dugouts are used for livestock watering but there is a fish conservation nexus when an endangered species is present, such as the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) that is common in eastern South Dakota. Logistic regression was used to associate Topeka shiner presence with stream-reach and landscape scale variables. The fish was associated with streams in moderately grazed pastures where the riparian zone was relatively intact. Twenty-one fish species were found in Six Mile Creek. The same mix of fish species inhabited 13 of 20 dugouts; 6 contained Topeka shiners and in two of those several year classes (fish ages 1, 2, and 3) were present. Most fish presence and all Topeka shiners were in dugouts directly connected to the stream or disconnected and frequently flooded (every 2 years). Two dugouts were constructed on the SDSU campus for research and for integrated teaching of pasture and stream management and agricultural engineering. Eight species of fish immigrated into Dugout One when it was briefly connected to the stream during flooding on two occasions. Water levels in pieziometers (wells) around the dugouts showed the recharge was rapid (minutes) indicating abundant groundwater hydrological connections, which helped fish survive in Dugout One over the summer. A related study developed a condition index for floodplain palustrine (pothole) wetlands that was made up of six metrics to discriminate between stressed (disturbed) wetlands and non-disturbed wetlands. Metrics were biomass of culicid larvae, abundance of chironomid larvae, macroinvertebrate diversity, number of plant species, proportion of exotic plant species, and number of sensitive diatom species. Disturbed wetlands had less taxa richness and species diversity and more exotic and nuisance (e.g., mosquitoes) species. The later finding may have human health implications. Livestock grazing rates of 25 AUMs and 37 AUMs provide habitat for most species of non-game birds nesting in mixed-grass prairies and still enables ranchers to obtain a profit from livestock production. Livestock weight gain and bird nesting declined as livestock grazing intensity increased. Five bird species had highest densities where grazing was most intense. Some grazing practices, particularly rotational grazing on native or seeded grassland habitats can be applied for long-periods of time (e.g., 19 years) without negative effects on certain species of grassland non-game birds. Trees were a factor (variable) in all studies because they influenced wetland productivity, were associated with Topeka shiner presence, and were associated with loss of native grassland birds. Grassland managers should refrain from planting trees in or adjacent to grassland habitats if non-game bird conservation is the objective. Restore riparian woodlands instead for maximum benefits to fish, birds, and stream habitat.

Impacts
The data were used by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop best management practices for dugout construction and placement in the watershed, by conservation agency personnel interested in grassland conservation, and by the Environmental Protection Agency to develop biomonitoring protocols for wetlands.

Publications

Bakker, K. K., S. L. Eggebo, K. F. Higgins, and D. E. Naugle. 2004. Grassland bird use of CRP fields that differ by age-class and cover type. Pages 70-75 in Proceedings of the 19th North American Prairie Conference.
Chipps, S. R., D. E. Hubbard, K. B. Werlin, N. J. Haugerud, K. A. Powell, J. Thompson, and T. Johnson. 2006. Association between wetland disturbance and biological attributes in floodplain wetlands. Wetlands 26(2):497-508.
DeJong, J. R., D. E. Naugle, K. K. Bakker, F. R. Quamen, and K. F. Higgins. 2004. Impacts of agricultural tillage on grassland birds in western South Dakota. Pages 76-80 in Proceedings of the 19th North American Prairie Conference.
Gronke, W. K., S. R. Chipps, S. J. Bandas, and K. F. Higgins. 2006. Reticulate melanism in western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii): exploring linkages with habitat and heating rates. American Midland Naturalist 153:289-298.
Hoagstrom, C. W. 2006. Fish community assembly in the Missouri River Basin. Ph.D Dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Hoagstrom, C. W. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2006. Island biogeography of native fish faunas among Great Plains drainage basins: basin scale features influence composition. American Fisheries Society Symposium 48:221-264.
Hoagstrom, C. W., S. S. Wall, J. P. Duehr, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2006. River size and fish assemblages in southwestern South Dakota. Great Plains Research 16:117-126.
Kelsey, K. W., D. E. Naugle, K. F. Higgins, and K. K. Bakker. 2006. Planting trees in prairie landscapes: do the ecological costs outweigh the benefits? Natural Areas Journal 26:254-260.
Kral, J. G. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2005. Fishes at randomly selected sites on wadeable streams in South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 84:305-313.
Larson, G. E., T. A. Wittig, K. F. Higgins, E. B. Turnipseed, and D. M. Gardner. 2005. Influence of biocontrol insects on Canada thistle: seed production, germinability, and viability. The Prairie Naturalist 37(2):85-100.
Mullican, T. R., A. R. Lewis, K. F. Higgins, and L. D. Flake. 2005. Relative abundance of small mammals in sagebrush steppe habitats in relation to vegetation characteristics. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 84:157-169.
Parris, D. C., G. A. Bishop, and K. F. Higgins. 2005. The prehistoric record of fishes in South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 84:141-156.
Rasmus, R. A., Q. E. Phelps, J. P. Duehr, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2005. Population characteristics of lotic orangespotted sunfish in South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 84:349.
Richards, N. S. 2006. Comparative analysis of strobe light effects on stress response and avoidance behaviors in fishes. M. S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Salo, E. D., K. F. Higgins, B. D. Patton, K. K. Bakker, W. T. Barker, B. Kreft, and P. E. Nyren. 2004. Grazing intensity effects on vegetation, livestock and non-game birds in North Dakota mixed-grass prairie. Pages 205-215 in Proceedings of the 19th North American Prairie Conference.
Salo, E. D., K. F. Higgins, W. T. Barker, K. K. Bakker, and K. C. Jensen. 2004. Temporal effects of grazing regimes on non-game birds in North Dakota grasslands. Pages 216-224 in Proceedings of the 19th North American Prairie Conference.
Sylvester, R. M., S. E. Freeling, and C. R. Berry Jr. 2005. First record of the plains minnow, Hybognathus placitus, in Canada. The Canadian Field-Naturalist 119:219-223.
Wall, S. S. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2006. The importance of multiscale habitat relations and biotic associations to the conservation of an endangered fish species, the Topeka shiner. American Fisheries Society Symposium 48:305-322.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Accomplishments concern how biotic factors (e.g., predation, competition, invasive species) and landscape factors at several scales (macrohabitat - regional) affect the distribution of fish and wildlife in South Dakota. The studies addressed sensitive species such as the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka); prairie stream fishes in general, a variety of grassland birds, and the aquatic biota of Angostura Reservoir. In general, wildlife species can be influenced by factors at both scales so managers need to plan conservation actions on multiple spatial scales. In Angostura reservoir, an impoundment on the Cheyenne River managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation and recreation; algal populations (measured as chlorophyll a) were regulated more by zooplankton (e.g., Daphnia sp.) grazing pressure than by nutrient concentration in reservoir water. About 120 fish species occur in South Dakota; 96 species were native to Great Plains Province streams. An overall analysis of the pattern of distribution indicated that basin isolation, basin size, and climatic harshness influence fish species richness. The effects of these large-scale controls on fish must be understood before effects of local controls (e.g., local land uses) can be determined. Distribution of each species was predicted by logistic regression models of the species association with enduring features of the landscape (e.g., stream size, stream position in the watershed, channel slope, stream flow, geology, groundwater potential). While large scale factors seem more important than local factors to fish distribution, grassland bird presence (66 species in woodlands, 49 species in grasslands) was primarily associated with local-scale factors in habitat patches. Logistic regression models developed a priori and analyzed using the information theoretic approach determined that bird species richness of grassland obligates was positively associated with the amount of grass within 400 m of points, which negatively associated with the amount of patch edge and woody perimeter. Species richness of area sensitive woodland birds was positively associated with the amount of woodland within 1600 m of points and woodland patch size. The grassland bird data are being used to determine the potential for wildlife conservation benefits of grasses (e.g., switchgrass, wheatgrass, warm-season grass, cool-season grass, and native sod grass) grown for carbon sequestration and biomass fuels. Frequency of occurance in each grass type was species specific, but total avian species richness increased directly with plant diversity, except in cool-season mixtures.

Impacts
Knowing the association between fish wildlife species presence at a site and habitat conditions at that site help wildlife managers plan species conservation activities and better faunal surveys, predict new locations where the species might be found, and develop better species distribution models for use in plan watershed development in rural (e.g., conservation easements, flood control) and urban (e.g., highway stream crossings, wetland mitigation) settings. Habitat in grasslands intended for carbon sequestration and biomass fuels is improved for wildlife when a high diversity of plant species is incorporated into sown grassland mixtures.

Publications

Chipps, S. R. and K. F. Higgins, Eds. 2004. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science. Volume 83. South Dakota State University Print Lab, Brookings, South Dakota. 357 pp.
Higgins, K. F., M. R. Brashier, and C. Fleming, eds. 2005. Proceedings, Third Missouri River and North American piping plover and least tern habitat workshop/symposium. WFS1-05, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Naugle, D. E., K. F. Higgins, R. R. Johnson, T. D. Fischer, and F. R. Quamen. 2005. Chapter 26. Landscape ecology. Pages 185-192 in Michael Lannoo, editor. Amphibian declines: the conservation status of United States species. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles.
Higgins, K. F., R. G. Osborn, D. E. Naugle, and K. K. Bakker. 2004. Contrasting the potential effects of biomass fuel, soy-based fuel, ethanol, and wind energy developments on Northern Great Plains wildlife. Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference 69:199-214.
Morey, N. M. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2004. New distributional record of the northern redbelly dace in the northern Great Plains. The Prairie Naturalist 36(4):257-260.
Naugle, D. E., T. D. Fischer, K. F. Higgins, and D. C. Backlund. 2005. Chapter 41. Distribution of South Dakota anurans. Pages 283-291 in Michael Lannoo, editor. Amphibian declines: the conservation status of United States species. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles.
Phelps, Q. E., M. J. Ward, C. P. Paukert, S. R. Chipps, and D. W. Willis. 2005. Biotic and abiotic correlates with black bullhead population characteristics in Nebraska Sandhill lakes. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 20:295-302.
Smith, J. T., L. D. Flake, K. F. Higgins, and G. D. Kobriger. 2004. History of greater sage-grouse in the Dakotas: distribution and population trends. The Prairie Naturalist 36(4):213-230.
Smith, J. T., L. D. Flake, K. F. Higgins, G. D. Kobriger and C. G. Homer. 2005. Evaluating lek occupancy of greater sage-grouse in relation to landscape cultivation in the Dakotas. Western North American Naturalist 65(3):310-320.
Wall, S. S. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2004. Road culverts across streams with the endangered Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka, in the James, Vermillion and Big Sioux River basins. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 83:125-135.
Cooper, T. R. 2005. Grassland and woodland bird occurrence and habitat selection in the prairie-forest transition zone of Minnesota. Ph.D. Dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Strand, K. A. 2005. Diet and body composition of migrating lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) in eastern South Dakota. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota.
Higgins, K. F., et al. 2005 Vegetation sampling and measurement. Pages 524-553 in C. E. Braun, editor. Techniques for wildlife investigations and management. 6th Edition. The Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A.
Higgins, K. F., S. J. Vaa, J. A. Jenks, and K. C. Jensen. 2005. Proceedings of the Northern Great Plains Workshop: Capture, Marking, and/or Removal of Birds and Mammals. 65 pages. Available from SDSU, Box 2140B, Brookings, SD 57006.
Galat, D. L., C. R. Berry Jr., E. J. Peters, and R. G. White. 2005. Missouri River Basin. Chapter 10, pp 427-480 in A. Benke and C. Cushing, eds. Rivers of North America, Elsevier Academic Press, New York, New York.
Galat, D. L., C. R. Berry Jr., W. M. Gardner, J. C. Hendrickson, G. E. Mestl, G. J. Power, C. Stone, and M. R. Winston. 2005. Spatiotemporal patterns and changes in Missouri River fishes. Pp 249-291 in John N. Rinne, Robert M. Hughes, and Bob Calamusso, editors. Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Accomplishments concern natural resource inventories in the western rangelands of South Dakota (e.g., Sage Grouse, Centrocercus urophansianus, Black-Footed Ferret, Mustela nigripes, sagebrush, grasslands, and wetlands). Fall River, Custer, Butte and Harding Counties are on the eastern edge of the big sagebrush steppe where ranches have a mix of grasslands, pastures, hay fields, shrub lands, and wetlands (dugouts, potholes, playas, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams). A digital database for wetland habitats allowed enumeration of these wetlands. Palustrine (marsh) systems make 50%, lake systems 42%, and river systems 8%. There are 86,000 created basins for livestock watering and other uses; 72,000 are impounded, 14,000 are dugouts, and 311 were created by beavers (Castor canadensis). In the sagebrush habitat, 33 species of birds were found in South Dakota compared to 7 species in Wyoming. Four bird species are sagebrush obligates. Computer models predict how bird distribution will change as land cover changes. Prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are associated with land cover change and support the endangered black footed-ferret. Ferret sightings are difficult to confirm, so scent detection dogs were tested for their ability to detect ferrets. The dogs were about 90% accurate at presence sites and may be useful for confirming reported ferret sightings. The main rivers draining western rangelands are the Cheyenne, Moreau, White, Bad, and Grand. Five turtle species are present in western wetland habitats. Ninety-six fish species were native, including 50 species in the Cheyenne, 30 in the Moreau, 34 in the Grand, 20 in the White, and 20 in the Bad rivers. These rivers are now isolated by reservoir habitat on the main stem of the Missouri River and fish assemblages may change because of this fragmentation of the aquatic habitat of the upper Missouri River basin. An overall analysis of the pattern of distribution indicated that the fish faunas were highly nested among basins. In other words, basin isolation, basin size, and climatic harshness influence fish species richness. The effects of these large-scale controls on fish must be understood before effects of local controls (e.g., local land uses) can be determined. How fish assemblages differ among basins was the overall goal of the EMAP Project (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program). Fish at 111 sites on 75 streams were collected; 34,143 fish representing 56 species and 12 families were found. Cyprinids (fish in the minnow family) were most abundant (84%), followed by centrarchids (sunfishes, 4%), catostomids (suckers 3%), and ictalurids (catfishes, 3%). Only one exotic species (common carp, Cyprinus carpio), and one species of concern (sturgeon chub, Macrhybopsis gelida) were collected. Understanding the distribution patterns and population levels of fish and wildlife species will facilitate development projects because contemporary, comprehensive data are available to assist in conservation planning.

Impacts
Studies of pasture management show that livestock grazing and nongame bird conservation are compatible. Biological control of thistle does not seem feasible with seed head weevils. Fisheries data on the James River will be used by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess benefits of the proposed river restoration project.

Publications

Chipps, S. R., Dunbar, J. A., and Wahl, D. H. 2004. Phenotypic variation and vulnerability to predation in juvenile bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Oecologia 138:32-38.
Isermann, D. A., Chipps, S. R., and Brown, M. L. 2004. Seasonal Daphnia biomass in winterkill and nonwinterkill glacial lakes of South Dakota. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:287-292.
Berry, C. R. Jr. 2004. Wildlife and fish come indoors. Farm and Home Research 54(3):8-9.
Berry, C. R. Jr. and Young, B. 2004. Fishes of the Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska. Great Plains Research 14: 89-114.
Lewis, A. R. 2004. Sagebrush steppe habitats and their associated bird species in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming: life on the edge of the sagebrush ecosystem. Ph.D. Thesis.
Rieger, B. A. 2004. Demographics of western South Dakota wetlands and basis. M.S. Thesis.
Reindl, S. A. 2004. Efficacy of scent dogs in detecting black-footed ferrets (mustela nigripes) at a reintroduction site in South Dakota. M.S. Thesis. Harland, B. C. and Berry, C. R. Jr. 2004. Fishes and habitat characteristics of the Keya Paha River, South Dakota-Nebraska. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 19:169-177.
Higgins, K. F. and Chipps, S. R. Editors. 2004. Proceedings of the 2003 Annual Meeting for the South Dakota Academy of Science. 82:379 pp.
Wall, S. S., Berry, C. R. Jr., Blausey, C. M., Jenks, J. A., and Kopplin, C. J. 2004. Fish-habitat modeling for GAP analysis to conserve the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 61(6):954-973.
Selch, T. M. 2004. The cost of capturing prey: measuring largemouth bass foraging activity using glycolytic enzymes (Lactate dehydrogenase). M.S. Thesis.
Sanderson, M. A., Brink, G. E., Higgins, K. F., and Naugle, D. E. 2004. Alternative uses of warm-season forage grasses. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America. Warm-Season (C4) Grasses, Agronomy Monograph No. 45:389-416.
Johnson, W. C., Boettcher, S. E., Poiani, K. A., and Guntenspergen, G. 2004. Influence of weather extremes on the water levels of glaciated prairie wetlands. Wetlands 24(2):385-398.
Freeling, S. E., Berry, C. R. Jr., Sylvester, R. M., Wall, S. S., and Jenks, J. A. 2004. Surveys to evaluate fish distribution models for the upper Missouri River basin aquatic GAP Project. GAP Analysis Bulletin No 12:4-7.
Duehr, J. P. 2004. Fish and habitat relations at multiple spatial scales in Cheyenne River basin, South Dakota. M.S. Thesis.
Morey, N. M. 2004. Growth correlates of several lotic fishes. M.S. Thesis.
Sylvester, R. M. 2004. Upper Missouri River basin aquatic GAP fish distribution model accuracy assessment and white sucker, Catostomus commersonii, population characteristics in the upper Missouri River basin. M.S. Thesis.
Bandas, S. J. and Higgins, K. F. 2004. A Field Guide to South Dakota Turtles. SDCES-EC919, South Dakota State University, Brookings. 35 pp.
Mockler, R. M. 2004. Lesser scaup use of wetlands in eastern South Dakota. M.S. Thesis.
Duehr, J. P., Hoagstrom, C. W., and Berry, C. R. Jr. 2004. Comparison of fish species diversity in two small western South Dakota watersheds. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society 21(1):357.
Morey, N. M. and Berry, C. R. Jr. 2004. Correlates of growth in the Sand Shiner, Notropis stramineus. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society 21(1):358.
Wall, S. S. and Berry, C. R. Jr. 2004. Threatened fishes of the world: Topeka shiner. Environmental Biology of Fishes 70:246.
Chipps, S. R. and Wahl, D. H. 2004. Development and evaluation of a western mosquitofish bioenergetics model. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 133:1139-1151.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Over the past decade, grazing management methods to promote the conservation of grassland birds while maintaining the economy of the livestock operation have been in place in experimental pastures. This year, a study was done to determine the long-term effects of the grazing treatments. The grassland bird response depended on species. Overall, breeding bird densities and vegetation structure were negatively correlated with grazing intensity in mixed-prairie grass. Several sparrow species reached their highest densities in the light and moderate grazing intensity treatments, whereas other birds had highest densities where grazing intensity was high. Results suggest that prescribed grazing practices on grassland habitats can be manipulated to provide vegetation structure that is attractive to specific species or guilds of grassland birds. Another line of investigation concerned the biological control of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) seed production. The impact of the bio-control organisms was negligible because seed viability was reduced only 2 to 4% by the thistle seed head fly (Terellia ruficauda) and thistle head weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus). Palustrine wetland structure, function and conservation were a third line of investigation, particularly in two wetland types that relate to agriculture. Methods for biomonitoring using invertebrates, plants, fish and birds were developed for South Dakota stock ponds and floodplain wetlands along the Missouri River. More natural sites had less mosquitoes that might carry West Nile Virus than did very disturbed sites. Biomonitoring methods using river fishes of the James, Big Sioux and Vermillion Rivers were developed. Results pointed to sites where the riparian zone was in poor condition, but in general fish assemblages have remained stable over 25 years, indicating that the watersheds are well managed. The data will help evaluate the benefits of restoration projects. More species were found this year because of high flows; species such as the blue sucker (Cycleptus elongates) that probably use the river for spawning. Keeping common species common is the goal of GAP Analysis (GAP means Geographic Approach to Planning). Large-scale maps of the entire state show the distribution of 1) 35 land cover types (e.g., crop land, pasture, wetlands, forested areas, barren lands), 2) 116 stream habitat types, 3) terrestrial wildlife (78 mammals, 215 birds, 30 reptiles), 4) aquatic (116 fish, 15 amphibians) and the distribution of land stewardship (e.g., Federal, State, Reservation, private). The maps are used by landowners planning pesticide application, by county governments planning infrastructure and by agencies planning conservation easements and land purchases. South Dakota is one of the first states to complete both terrestrial Gap and Aquatic Gap projects and the study has been expanded to include the entire upper Missouri River basin.

Impacts
Studies of pasture management show that livestock grazing and nongame bird conservation are compatible. Biological control of thistle does not seem feasible with seed head weevils. Fisheries data on the James River will be used by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess benefits of the proposed river restoration project.

Publications

Bakker, K. K., J. R. DeJong and K. F. Higgins. 2003. Distribution of grassland birds in South Dakota. South Dakota Bird Notes 55(2):28-37.
Berry, C. R. Jr. 2003. The Missouri River Ecosystem: Exploring the Prospects for Recovery. Wetlands 23:1:208-211. (Book review.)
Berry, C. R. Jr. and C. W. Hoagstrom. 2003. Bioethics in a changing world: fisheries issue. Fisheries 28(9):30-31.
Chipps, S. R. and B. A. Holcomb. 2002. Nutrient inputs, iron availability, and algal biomass in Black Hills reservoirs: implications for reservoir productivity. Final Report, submitted to U.S. BOR, Bismarck, North Dakota.
Bakker, K. K., D. E. Naugle and K. F. Higgins. 2002. Incorporating landscape attributes into models for migratory grassland bird conservation. Conservation Biology 16:1638-1646.
Bakker, K. K. and K. F. Higgins. 2003. Avian use of natural versus planted woodlands in eastern South Dakota, USA. Natural Areas Journal 23:121-128.
Chipps, S. R., D. E. Hubbard, K. B. Werlin, N. J. Haugerud and K. A. Powell. 2003. Development and application of biomonitoring indicators for floodplain wetlands of the Upper Missouri River Basin, North Dakota. Final Report submitted to U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Duluth, Minnesota. Pp 116.
DeBates, T. J., S. R. Chipps, M. C. Ward, K. B. Werlin and P. B. Lorenzen. 2003. Cladoceran zooplankton abundance under clear and snow-covered ice. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 18:169-171.
Zimmer, K. D., M. A. Hanson, M. G. Butler and W. G. Duffy. 2001. Size distribution of aquatic invertebrates in two prairie wetlands, with and without fish, with implications for community production. Freshwater Biology 46(10): 1373.
Gleason, R. A., N. H. Eullis Jr., D. E. Hubbard and W. G. Duffy. 2003. Effects of sediment load on emergence of aquatic invertebrates and plants from wetland soil egg and seed banks. Wetlands 23:1.
Heakin, A. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2002. EMAP activities in South Dakota: Annual Progress Report. USGS, Rapid City, South Dakota. Pp 26.
Higgins, K. F. and S. R. Chipps, Editors. 2002 Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science. SDSU Print Shop, Brookings, SD 57007. Volume 81. Pp 329.
Higgins, K. F., D. E. Naugle and K. A. Forman. 2002. A case study of changing land use practices in the northern Great Plains, U.S.A.: an uncertain future for waterbird conservation. Waterbirds 25 (Special Publication 2):42-50.
Holcomb, B. M. and S. R. Chipps. 2002. Zooplankton communities of Black Hills Reservoirs. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 81:219-226.
Larson, K. L., W. G. Duffy, E. Johnson, M. F. Donovan and M. J. Lannoo. 1999. Paedocannibal morph barred tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium) from Eastern South Dakota. American Midland Naturalist 141:124-139.
Larson, G. E. and K. F. Higgins. 2002. Impact of biological control techniques on Canada thistle seed production. Final Report to USGS Quick Response Program. Project Number QR-F6-00-06. USGS Central Region, Denver.
May, S. M., D. E. Naugle and K. F. Higgins. 2002. Effects of land use on nongame wetland birds in western South Dakota stock ponds, U.S.A. Waterbirds 25 (Special Publication 2):51-55.
Morey, N. M. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2003. Biological characteristics of the blue sucker in the James River and the Big Sioux River, South Dakota. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 18(1):33-41.
Powell, K. A. and S. R. Chipps. 2002. Longitudinal patterns in fish community composition of Upper Missouri River backwaters. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 81:211-218.
Shearer, J. S. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2002. Index of biotic integrity utility for the fishery of the James River of the Dakotas. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 17:575-588.
Shearer, J. S. and C. R. Berry Jr. 2003. Fish community persistence in eastern North and South Dakota rivers. Great Plains Research 13(Spring):139-159.
Wall, S. S., C. J. Kopplin, B. L. Kopplin, J. A. Jenks and C. R. Berry Jr. 2002. Expanding South Dakota Aquatic GAP Analysis to the Upper Missouri River Basin. Gap Analysis Bulletin 11:40-43.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Results from the South Dakota GAP Analysis Project will help in planning watershed developments and suggesting areas where natural resource conservation efforts might be most effective. GAP stands for Geographic Approach to Planning. Large-scale maps of the entire state, which are matched with similar maps of surrounding states, show the distribution of 1) 35 land cover types (e.g., crop land, pasture, wetlands, forested areas, barren lands), 2) 116 stream habitat types, 3) terrestrial wildlife (78 mammals, 215 birds, 30 reptiles), 4) aquatic (116 fish, 15 amphibians), and the distribution of land stewardship (e.g., Federal, State, Reservation, private). The maps are used by landowners planning pesticide application, by county governments planning infrastructure, and by agencies planning conservation easements and land purchases. Birds were studied in 125 grassland, 21 cropland, and 271 shelterbelt sites in western South Dakota. Forty-two species used woodland habitats for breeding. Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) numbers in old grasslands where higher than in new grasslands or row-crop fields. Cool-season grasslands had more pheasant broods than did warm-season grasslands. A total of 32 nongame bird species were observed in CRP grasslands and row crop fields. Seventeen species were identified in old grasslands whereas 23 species were observed in new grasslands. Black Hills forest management can influence water quality in reservoirs. External phosphorous loading rates ranged from 0.8 mg P/m2/d in Deerfield Reservoir to 7.5 mg P/m2/d in Stockade Reservoir. Natural iron deposits influence the availability of phosphorous (P) to aquatic life. A model using reservoir sediment P: Fe predicted water P concentration by integrating factors affecting both external (landscape sources) and internal loading (lake sources). Fish conservation, particularly of the endangered Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka, and trophy catfish are important issues. On the James River, fish biomonitoring data had low scores at sites where the riparian zone was in poor condition. Vegetation inventories and maps of the Big Sioux River riparian zone show that the River has migrated substantially across the floodplain in the past 100 years. The information is useful to landowners planning to set aside riparian land. In the lower Big Sioux basin, where the riparian zone is wooded and inaccessible, growth rate of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) was unexpectedly lower than that in the upper basin, perhaps because of the lack of organic material from the floodplain. Secondary roads over streams with Topeka shiners usually have round corrugated or square concrete box culverts. Only 9% of the 232 road crossings needed repair or maintenance because the culvert was perched above the stream or blocked.

Impacts
Shows the interrelation between wildlife and fisheries resources and agricultural uses of the watershed.

Publications

Adolf, S.L., K.F. Higgins, C.D. Kruse, and G. Pavelka. 2001. Distribution and productivity of least terns and piping plovers on the Niobrara River. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 80:231-245.
Arterburn, J.E., D.J. Kirby, and C.R. Berry. 2002. A survey of angler attitudes and biologist opinions regarding trophy catfish and their management. Fisheries 27(5):10-21.
Berry, C.R. 2001. Dakotas' shared rivers. AFS Dakota Chapter News 21 (November): 3-4.
Berry, C.R. and B.A. Young. 2001. Introduction to the benthic fishes study. Volume I. Population structure and habitat use of benthic fishes along the Missouri and lower Yellowstone rivers. PDF and Quark versions available from the Corps of Engineers at http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/html.pd-e/planning.html.
Buskness, N.A., R.K. Murphy, K.F. Higgins, and J.A. Jenks. 2001. Breeding bird abundance and habitat on two livestock grazing regimes in North Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 80:247-258.
Chipps, S.R. and D. Bennett. 2002. Evaluation of a Mysis bioenergetics model. Journal of Plankton Research 24:77-82.
Arterburn, J.E. and C.R. Berry. 2002. Effect of hook style, bait type, and river location on trotline catches of flathead and channel catfish, North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22(2):573-578.
Chipps, S.R. 2001. The South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Brochure available from SDCFWRU, SDSU Box 2140B, Brookings, SD 57007.
Chipps, S.R., C.R. Berry, and K.F. Higgins. 2001. Annual Report of the South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Available from SDSU Box 2140B, Brookings, 57007. 36 pp.
Deperno, C.S., J.A. Jenks, S.L. Griffin, L. Rice, and K.F. Higgins. 2002. White-tailed deer habitats in the central Black Hills. J. Range Management 55:242-252.
Haugerud, N.J. 2002. Development and application of macroinvertebrate-based biomonitoring criteria for floodplain wetlands. M.S. Thesis. South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Higgins, J.J., G.E. Larson, and K.F. Higgins. 2002. Managing tallgrass prairie remnants: the effects of different types of land stewardship on grassland bird habitat. Ecological Restoration 20(1):18-22.
Higgins, K.F. and S.R. Chipps, Editors. 2001. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 80:457.
Hoernemann, C., P. Johnson, and K.F. Higgins. 2001. Effects of grazing and haying on arthropod diversity in North Dakota Conservation Reserve Program grasslands. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 80:283-308.
Hoernemann, C., P. Johnson, and K.F. Higgins. 2001. Use of flight intercept traps in a grassland habitat. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 80:227-229.
Holcomb, B.M. 2002. The role of iron in Black Hills reservoirs and streams: implications for primary and secondary productivity. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Juni, S.C. and C.R. Berry. 2001. A biodiversity assessment of compensatory mitigation wetlands in eastern South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 80:185-200.
Kennedy, C.L., J.A. Jenks, and K.F. Higgins. 2001. Effects of grazing conservation reserve program lands in North Dakota on birds, insects, and vegetation. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 80:213-226.
Kruse, C.D., K.F. Higgins, and B.A. VanderLee. 2002. Influence of predation on piping plover, Charadrius melodus, and least tern Sterna antillarum, productivity along the Missouri River in South Dakota. The Canadian Field Naturalist 15:480-486.
Milewski, C.L. 2001. Local and systemic controls on fish and fish habitat in South Dakota rivers and streams: Implications for management. Ph.D. Dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Milewski, C.L., C.R. Berry, and D.J. Dieterman. 2001. Use of the index of biotic integrity in eastern South Dakota rivers. Prairie Naturalist 33:135-152.
Powell, K.A. 2002. Fish-habitat association in small, seasonally-connected backwaters of the Upper Missouri River. M.S. Thesis. South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Smith, V.J. 2001. Mammal distributions and habitat models for South Dakota. M.S. Thesis. South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Smith, V.J., J.A. Jenks, C.R. Berry, C.J. Kopplin, and D. M. Fecske. 2002. South Dakota Gap analysis project: A geographic approach to planning for biological diversity: Final Report. 91 pages plus appendices. Available from SD Coop Unit. Wall, S.S. and C.R. Berry, Jr. 2002. Inventory and mitigation of culverts crossing streams inhabited by Topeka shiners (Notropis topeka) in South Dakota: Final Report to SD Dept. of Transportation, Pierre (P-BRF 0019(15)16PCEMS3731).
Wall, S.S., C.M. Blausey, J.A. Jenks, and C.R. Berry. 2001. Final Report: Topeka shiner population status and habitat conditions in South Dakota streams. Final Report RWO73 to U.S. Army, EPA, FWS, and USGS. SD Coop Unit, Brookings, SD. A limited number of hard copies of this 200+ page report with 60 color maps are available but the report and maps are on a CD; the maps as an Arcview project.
Werlin, K.B. 2002. Development and application of vegetation-based biomonitoring criteria for floodplain wetlands. M.S. Thesis. South Dakota State University, Brookings.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
This project emphasized agricultural issues related to fish and wildlife management in uplands (pasture, woodlands, cropland) and wetlands (palustrine, lacustrine, riverine). Irrigation dominates the use in the Belle Fourche River basin, grazing is the main use of the Moreau River basin, and mixed agriculture dominates the Big Sioux basin. Fish and fish habitat surveys in the Big Sioux Basin indicated that the fish community had improved from a very degraded state found during the 1960s. Most improvement in water quality and fisheries came downstream from municipalities; nonpoint source pollution is still a problem. The health of a river can be determined by fish growth and reproduction, and both indices are acceptable in the Belle Fourche and Moreau River watersheds. Reproduction of longnose dace (Rhinichthyes cataractae) was normal in 4 northern Black Hills tributaries to the Belle Fourche River, including one stream potentially affected by toxic mine tailings. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) growth in the Belle Fourche and Moreau rivers was similar to growth in other northcentral rivers. The riparian area along most river reaches where fish were collected was classified as lightly grazed. The health of native grasslands and pastures in the Hecla Sandhills region was assessed using a floristic analysis. The floristic quality index for native pastures averaged 51; native hay meadows 49; native pastures 47, formerly tilled pastures 42. An alternative source of income for many landowners in South Dakota might be leasing land for wind turbines. We found that the turbines are compatible with bird and bat populations in grassland habitats since very few were killed by impact with turbine blades. A total of 85 nongame bird species were found in woodlands and grassland habitats of different patch sizes and landscape matrices. To manage the entire community of grassland bird species, grasslands need to be >125 ha or be part of landscapes with enough grassland habitat (>40%) to support the most area-sensitive species. Grasslands should have little (<10%) or no edge as wooded habitat when the primary objective is to enhance grassland obligate avian species. Wetland restoration and mitigation are part of many conservation programs so wetland restoration guidelines for engineers and landowners were developed that foster high biodiversity. Aquatic components of the wetlands that can be used to assess wetland restoration success are amphibians, benthic invertebrates, small mammals, fish, and macrophytes. However, nutrients from surrounding lands affect zooplankton abundance and hence the aquatic food web of other wetland species. A guide to South Dakota's amphibians was published.

Impacts
Shows the interrelation between wildlife and fisheries resources and agricultural uses of the watershed.

Publications

Chipps, S.R. and D.H. Bennett. 2000. Zooplanktivory and nutrient regeneration by invertebrate and vertebrate planktivores: Implications for trophic interactions in oligotrophic lakes. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 129:575-589.
Dieterman, D.J. and C.R. Berry. 1998. Fish community and water quality changes in the Big Sioux River. Prairie Naturalist 30:119-224.
Doorenbos, R.D., C.R. Berry, and G. Wickstrom. 1999. Ictalurids in South Dakota. Pages 377-389 in E. Irwin, W. Hubert, C. Rabrni, H. Schramm, and T. Coon, editors. Catfish 2000: proceedings of the international ictalurid symposium. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 24, Bethesda, Maryland.
Hurley, D.J., R.D. Neiger, K.F. Higgins, G.E. Rottinghaus, and H. Stahr. 1999. Short-term exposure to subacute doses of aflatoxin-induced depressed mitogen responses in young mallard ducks. Avian Diseases 43:649-655.
Loomis, T.M., C.R. Berry, and J. Erickson. 2000. The fishes of the upper Moreau River basin. The Prairie Naturalist 31(4):193-214.
Naugle, D.E., K.F. Higgins, and K.K. Bakker. 1999. Habitat area requirements of wetland birds in western South Dakota. S.D. Acad. Sci. Proc. 78:129-139.
Naugle, D.E., K.F.Higgins, M.E. Estey, R.R. Johnson, and S.L. Nusser. 2000. Local and landscape-level factors influencing black tern habitat suitability. Journal of Wildlife Management 64(1):253-260.
Naugle, D.E., K.F. Higgins, and S.M. Nusser. 1999. Effects of woody vegetation on prairie wetland birds. Canadian-Field Nat. 113(3):487-492.
Naugle, D.E., R.R. Johnson, T.R. Cooper, M.M. Holland, and K.F. Higgins. 2000. Temporal distribution of waterfowl in eastern South Dakota: Implications for aerial surveys. Wetlands 20:177-183.
Newman, R.L., C.R. Berry, and W.G. Duffy. 1999. A biological assessment of four northern Black Hills streams. S.D. Acad. Sci. Proc. 78:185-200.
Osborn, R.G., K.F Higgins, R.E. Usgaard, C.D. Dieter, and R. Neiger. 2000. Bird mortality associated with wind turbines at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area, Minnesota. American Midland Naturalist. 143:41-52.
Berry, C.R and S.C. Juni. 2000. Guidelines for restoring and creating wetlands associated with highway projects in South Dakota. B734, South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Fischer, T.D., D.C. Backlund, K.F. Higgins, and D.E. Naugle. 1999. A field guide to South Dakota amphibians. SDAES Bull. 733. South Dakota State University, Brookings. 52 pp.
Bakker, K.K. 2000. Avian occurrence in woodlands and grasslands on public areas throughout eastern South Dakota. Ph.D. Dissertation, South Dakota State University.
Fairlee, E.W. 1999. Floristic and vegetational analysis of the Hecla Sandhills of Northeastern South Dakota. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University.
Gleason, R.A. 2000. Extent of sediment overburden in restored wetlands and the impact of recolonization by aquatic invertebrates and hydrophytes. Ph.D. Dissertation, South Dakota State University.
Higgins, J.J. 1999. Floristics and cover characteristics of native tallgrass prairie remnants in eastern South Dakota. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University.

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
This project emphasized integration of upland and wetland (palustrine, lacustrine, riverine) ecology into watershed developments for agriculture, recreation, and industry. Agriculture dominates the economy of the White River basin with the majority of the land used as rangeland or cropland. The White River has unusually high turbidity because of erosive soils that cause the river to appear white. Sediments are deposited in Lake Francis Case where a delta is being formed that blocks the Reservoir. Nineteen species of fish were found in the river including the rare sturgeon chub (Machrybopsis gelida). Popular recreational species were channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)and sauger (Stizostedion canadense), although these populations receive little fishing pressure. Farmers and ranchers make many wetland agreements (fee-title acquisition, conveyance of easements) with land management agencies. About 23% of the upland habitat area and 22% of the wetland habitat area in eastern south Dakota is under some agreement. Maps made of these easement locations show that in eastern South Dakota, farmers with wetlands greater than 0.5 hectares in the James River lowlands are in a region that may be the highest priority for new agreements in the future. Regarding the biota in wetlands, surveys were done to assess the status and distribution of anuran populations (frogs and toads)in eastern South Dakota. Four species had distributions similar to historical records, five were more widely distributed, and four had lesser distributions than historical. There was no statistically significant relationship between wetland size and anuran occurrence. The water regimes of seasonal and semipermanent wetlands provided habitat for the largest proportion of all anuran species except the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and to a lesser degree the Canadian toad (Bufo hemiophry), both of which were mainly found in permanent wetlands. Wetlands within all vegetative categories provided habitat for the majority of anuran species. Black Hills streams flow through two physiographic provinces, the Black Hills province where mining takes place, and Missouri plateau province where agriculture dominates basin use. Mining has caused water pollution that has impacted agriculture activities (e.g. irrigation, drinking water), but in the last several decades, attempts have been made to improve water quality. Biomonitoring was done to evaluate the present conditions in Whitewood Creek (mining activity present) and three reference streams (no mining activity). The community of macroinvertebrates appeared stressed during the spring when flood waters may have leached toxins from mine tailings accumulated in the watershed. Anuran populations (4 species) did not differ among streams. A total of 5, 7, 8, and 22 species of fish were found in Whitewood, Spearfish, Crow, and Bear Butte creeks. The reproductive competency of longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataracatae) in Whitewood Creek and Bear Butte Creek was similar as measured by gonad weight, relative condition factor, egg size, fecundity, histological appearance of ovaries, and number of young-of-the-year longnose dace in each stream.

Impacts
Shows the interrelation between wildlife and fisheries resources and agrucultural uses of the watershed.

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
In upland grasslands, 25 bird species were studied under rotational and traditional season-long grazing systems. Prescribed rotational grazing benefited livestock operations without negatively impacting species richness or relative abundance of a grazing-sensitive bird guild (e.g. Baird's sparrow [Ammodramus bairdii]; western meadowlark [Sturnella neglecta]), but results were more obvious during a year with low precipitation. Management of U. S. Forest Service National Grasslands was facilitated by this project's data on wetland and aquatic species (3964 fish records, 1585 herptile records, 164 mussel records) of grassland habitats. In another study, wetland distribution in grassland tracts and wetland size influenced bird use (data from 830 wetlands). Wetland area was the best single predictor of species richness and habitat use by individual species. Fifty-five to 100% of explained variation was attributed to area (partial R2 = 0.1-.048), while occurrences of 95 and 79% of species in semipermanent and seasonal wetlands, respectively, were positively associated with wetland area. Riparian vegetative structure was also important. For example, dabbling duck use was greater when the percentage of nearby untilled uplands was greater than 10.4%. When watershed development destroys natural wetlands, mitigation wetlands can be created that have biodiversities that are similar to those of natural wetlands. For example, invertebrate communities (terrestrial, 18 - 28 species; aquatic, 15 - 22 species) in created and natural wetlands were similar in taxa diversity (P > 0.68) and richness (P > 0.25). Bait fish (i.e. fathead minnows [Pimephales promelas]) from wetlands can be a commercial product benefiting the landowner. Commercial harvest simulated in two wetlands did not influence population density, mortality rates, or size of fathead minnows. For example, fathead minnow biomass declined from about 400 kg/ha in June to about 5 kg/ha in September in both control and commercially harvested wetlands. Soil erosion into rivers can cause delta formation at river confluences. Data on aquatic invertebrate numbers and weight (e.g. midges 55%, worms 37% by number) in hydrosoils of the Bad River delta helped the Corps of Engineers project the effects of flushing to remove the delta. The first comprehensive fish surveys of the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne rivers found 28 and 30 fish species, respectively. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) population health indices indicated that the population was similar to other populations in the midwest. Relative weight was 121 for sub-stock, 81 for stock-to-quality, and 90 for quality-to-preferred length fish. Five fish species (sturgeon chub [Macrhybopsis gelida]; plains topminnow [Fundulus sciadicus]; flathead chub [Platygobio gracilis]; plains minnow [Hybognathus placitus]; and western silvery minnow [H. argyritis]) considered rare were found in the Cheyenne River. In general, the fish and habitat data from these rivers indicated that the watersheds were healthy.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Blumberg, C.A., Higgins, K.F., and J.A. Jenks. 1997. Use of a mail survey to determine present mammal distributions in South Dakota. S.D. Acad. Sci. 76:In Press.
Braaten, P.J. and Berry, C.R. 1997. Fish associations with four habitat types in a South Dakota prairie stream. J. Freshwater Ecol. 12:477-489.
Osborn, R.G., C.D. Dieter, K.F. Higgins, and Usgaard, R.E. 1998. Bird flight characteristics near wind turbines in Minnesota. Amer. Mid. Nat. 139:29-38.
Meeks, W.A. and Higgins, K.F. 1997. First record of common moorhen nesting in South Dakota. Prairie Nat. 29:53-54.
Dateo, D.M., Estey, M.E., Higgins, K.F., Jenks, J.A., and Johnson, R.R. 1997. Use of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service easements for the South Dakota GAP stewardship layer. GAP Anal. Bulletin 6:20-21.
Duffy, W.G. 1998. Population dynamics, production, and prey consumption of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in prairie wetlands: a bioenergetics approach. Can J. Fisheries Aqu. Sci. 55:15-22.
Johnson, R.R. and Higgins, K.F. 1998. Bias in quadrant-derived estimates of number of prairie wetlands. Wetlands 18:329-334.
Johnson, R.R., Higgins, K.F., Naugle, D.E., and Jenks, J.A. 1998. A comparison of sampling techniques for estimating number of wetland basins. Wildl. Soc. Bulletin 00:In Press.
Adolf, S.L. 1998. Status evaluation of least terns and piping plovers along the Niobrara River in Nebraska. M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Boe, A., Bortnem, R., Higgins, K.F., Kruse, A.D., Kephart, K.D., and Selman, S. 1998. Breeding yellow-flowered alfalfa for combined wildlife habitat and forage purposes. SDAES Pub. 727.
Estey, M.E. 1998. Characteristics and distribution of protected wetland basins in eastern South Dakota. M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Doorenbos, R.D. 1998. Fishes and habitat of the Belle Fourche River, South Dakota. M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Unkenholz, E.G. 1998. Entrainment of rainbow smelt through Oahe Dam, South Dakota. M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Naugle, D.E. and Higgins, K.F. 1998. Contaminants in freshwater fish: guidelines for consumption. Extension Extra, ExEx 14052, CES, SDSU.
McLeod, S.J. and Higgins, K.F. 1998. Waterfowl and habitat changes after 40 years on the Waubay Study Area. SDAES Bulletin 728.
Schneider, N.A. 1998. Passerine use of grasslands managed with two grazing regimes on the Missouri Coteau in North Dakota. M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Johnson, R.R., Higgins, K.F., Kjellsen, M.L., and Elliott, C.R. 1997. Eastern South Dakota wetlands. S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Roush, K.D. 1998. Biological diversity of natural and created wetlands in three physiographic regions of South Dakota. M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Hampton, D.R. 1998. A survey of the fishes and habitat of the Cheyenne River in South Dakota, M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Fischer, T.D. 1998. Anura of eastern South Dakota: their distribution and characteristics of their wetland habitats, 1997-1998. M.S. thesis, S.D. State Univ., Brookings.
Naugle, D.E., Gleason, J., Jenks, J.A., Higgins, K.F., Mammenga, P., and Nusser, S. 1997. Factors influencing wetland use by Canada geese. Wetlands 17:552-558.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
This project emphasized integration of palustrine (pothole), lacustrine (lake), and riverine (rivers and streams) wetlands into watershed management for agriculture, recreation, and transportation. The pattern of wetland drainage in 44 South Dakota counties showed that most drainage has occurred where stream density is high, specifically in the mid-eastern areas of the James River basin, and in the eastern Big Sioux River basin. Drainage has been minimal along the west slope of the Missouri Coteau where rangeland predominates, and in the Lake Dakota plain. Surveys were conducted to compare bird, amphibian, turtle, fish, butterfly, and mammal communities in 27 natural, restored, dam- created, and borrow-pit wetlands. Biodiversity was influenced by the physical and hydrological conditions of wetlands. Recommendations for creating mitigation wetlands included 1) maximize wetland area by creating small wetlands, 2) maximize shoreline development, and 3) create various slopes and shallow undulating bottoms. Concerning riverine work, 19 fish species were found in the Moreau River; results suggest little impact on the fishery from livestock grazing. Populations of some species, such as flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis), were at times abundant. We found that bird communities associated with wetlands do not change until encroachment of trees exceeds 75% of the periphery of the wetland.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NAUGLE, D.E., HIGGINS, K.F. and WILSDON, M.S. 1996. Intraspecific aggression between gadwalls results in mortality. Prairie Nat.
OSBORN, R.G., HIGGINS, K.F., DIETER, C.D. and USGAARD, R.E. 1996. Bat collisions with wind turbines in Southwestern Minnesota. Bat Research News 37:105-108.
SLIPKE, J.W. and DUFFY, W.G. 1997. Food habits of walleye in Shadehill Reservoir, South Dakota. J Freshwater Ecol. 12:11-17.
JOHNSON, R.R. and HIGGINS, K.F. 1997. Wetland resources of eastern South Dakota. South Dakota State University, Brookings. 102 p.
NAUGLE, D.E. 1997. Habitat area requirements of prairie wetland birds in Eastern South Dakota. Ph.D. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings. 85 p.
BRAATEN, P.J. and BERRY, C.R. 1997. Fish associations with four habitat types in a South Dakota prairie stream. J Freshwater Ecol.

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
Numerous research areas are covered in this project; only a few will be highlighted. Most projects emphasized integration of palustrine, lacustrine, and riverine wetlands into agricultural and aquacultural practices. A completed inventory showed that wetlands cover 9.8% of eastern South Dakota. Approximately half of the 947,652 wetland basins are temporary; median size of all wetland basins is 0.16 ha. Improved methods for determining wetland trends require monitoring in fixed samples of 10.4-square-kilometer plots stratified into two regions (intensively drained region and undrained region). Research in lacustrine systems included limnology of Shadehill Reservoir, where it was found that slow growth of walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) was probably due to a reduced prey base rather than suspected water quality problems. Prairie pothole wetlands were studied for their commercial fishery (baitfish) value. Simulated commercial harvest did not influence fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) populations, however commercial harvest should be regulated where gamefishes are managed. Concerning riverine work, it was found that about 14,000 people took part in 25 kinds of river-related activity on the Big Sioux River. These results can be used in watershed management. In riparian and upland research, it was found that some alfalfa strains can be used for one-cut livestock forage and for upland bird nesting habitat.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

BRYAN, S.D., SOUPIR, C. A., DUFFY, W.G. and FREIBURGER, C.E. 1996. Caloric densities of three predatory fishes and their prey in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. J Freshwater Ecol. 11:153-162.
DIETER, C. D., DUFFY, W.G. and FLAKE, L.D. 1996. The effect of phorate on wetlandmacroinvertebrates. Environmental Toxicology and Chem.15:308-312.
DIETZ, N. J., HIGGINS, K.F. and MENDELSOHN, R.D. 1996. Factors associated with declining proportion of citizens hunting in South Dakota. Prair Nat. 27:223-236.
HILL, T. D., DUFFY, W.G. and THOMPSON, M.R. 1995. Food habits of channel catfish in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. J Freshwater Ecol. 10:319-323.
LYNOTT, S.T., BRYAN, S. D., HILL, T.D. and DUFFY. W.G. 1995. Monthly and size related changes in the diet of rainbow trout in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. J Freshwater Ecol. 10:399-407.
SOUPIR, C., BRYAN, S.A. and DUFFY, W.G. 1996. Caloric density of three predatoryfishes and their prey in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. J Freshwater Ecol. 11:153-162.
BRINKMAN, M.A. and DUFFY, W.G. 1996. Evaluation of four wetland aquatic invertebrate samplers and four sample sorting methods. J Freshwater Ecol. 11:193-200.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
Research objectives in this project are multiple, but are directed toward applied research to benefit management of northern prairie habitats and biota, with an emphasis on linking terrestrial, riparian, and aquatic habitats into a watershed perspective. On uplands, research showed that CRP lands can be managed to the mutual benefit of wildlife and livestock if late season or rotational grazing is practiced. In a representative county in eastern South Dakota, land use has changed over 40 years from many to few farms, and from small grain fields to idle fields and row crops, while wetland and waterfowl numbers have remained static. Projects on wetlands were directed toward the ecology of wetland plants and animals to help wetland managers implement ecosystem management options. Results indicated that the size of a protected parcel of land and wetland density were correlated with biodiversity. Overabundant vegetation, such as cattails, can be managed while maintaining habitat for birds. Projects on riverine fisheries, water quality, and habitat quality were designed to assist with watershed management planning. Forty-nine fish species were found in the Big Sioux River. River health and fish communities have improved below municipalities since 1966, but nonpoint pollution (sediment, nutrients) may be having a generally degrading effect on the river.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
In a 17.5 square kilometer area near Waubay, SD, changes since the 1950s includefewer people, fewer occupied farms, more row crops, less small grain, more idle land because of CRP, and changes in game bird and predator populations. Results indicate that certain grazing practices do not harm and may be beneficial to insects and nongame bird populations. Wetland Geographic Information System coverages for eastern South Dakota showed the distribution of temporary, seasonal, and semipermanent basins that landowners might wish to sell or lease. Our GIS analysis produced a profile of operations and responsibilities of a typical wetland management district. The study will improve agency-landowner relations relating to wetland and grassland easements, FMHA easements, fee-title area boundaries, weed and water control, and wildlife management. Surveys of fishes in eastern South Dakota rivers and streams have revealed a fish community with 35 to 46 native species. Eight species are rare or declining in number. Factors potentially affecting the fisheries are 1) altered hydrology, 2) reduced in-stream habitat, 3) excessive suspended solids, and 4) migration barriers. A Watershed Management Workshop for the James, Vermillion, and Big Sioux rivers is planned for February 7-8, 1995. The workshop will bring together researchers, private groups, landowners, municipal representatives, and regulatory agencies.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
Pesticide studies with Rodeo and Phorate had opposite results. Rodeo is safe foruse in wetlands to control cattails for the benefit of wildlife, while eliminating roosts for blackbirds that cause grain damage. Phorate was toxic to wetland invertebrates. Treated mesocosms had no invertebrates 2 days after treatment, and some ducklings were also killed. High rainfall influenced wetland hydrology and wildlife in 1993. A wetland atlas for South Dakota is 50% complete, with maps available for the eastern part of the state. Late-maturing alfalfa was studied. It is useful for retarding erosion, valuable as hay, and also benefits wildlife. Several livestock grazing treatments on CRP acres affected nongame birds and insects differently, depending on treatment. Grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum), lark buntings (Calamospiza melanocoryes), and red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were the most common of 12 nongame birds encountered. Studies on the James, Vermillion, and Big Sioux rivers showed that fish biomass was greatest where riverine habitat was most diverse. Radio-tagged walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) survived well under 60-cm thick ice on the Big Sioux River. Water quality was excellent (dissolved oxygen >9.0 mg/1).

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

Outputs
Practices that influence the fish fauna and habitat in the James & Vermillion rivers were investigated. Most common practices found included construction of low-head dams and rock crossings (230 in James River), channel modification for flood control and nonpoint pollution sources. In the Vermillion River wetland drainage has contributed to discharge variability and helped transform a pool and riffle stream with gravel substrate into a slow-moving river with a silty substrate. Approximately 50 fish species were found to inhabit the Vermillion River basin despite watershed changes; the ichthyofauna has been stable over the last 35 years. The fish community of the James River, with approximately 60 species, has changed little over 100 years. Bullheads (Ameiurus spp.), northern pike (Esox lucius) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were the most common gamefish encountered in both rivers. An important identified stressor was low dissolved oxygen; this has usually been associated with low flows and has caused fish kills. Wetlands in an area of about 77,770 km2 were delineated and classified; most wetlands are riverine and basins formed by sinks. Work continued on mapping wetlands in western SD and on production of a wetland atlas for the state. Approximately 54% of eastern SD farms have wetlands. Wetland hay was estimated to have a value of approximately $300/hectare. About 18% of the wetlands contained baitfishes but landowner income from these fishes has been minimal.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91

Outputs
Integrating wetland management with agricultural practices was the focus of all or part of 11 research projects. Much of the work dealt with safe use of agricultural chemicals. The impact of glyphosate at the recommended dosage and at one-half the recommended dosage killed 100% of most wetland invertebrates, and some ducklings. Conversely, extensive field and laboratory experiments showed that there was a wide safety margin between use levels and toxic levels of rodeo herbicide. The LC50 of the rodeo field mixture ranged from 100 to 200 mg/L for seven common wetland invertebrates and the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Studies continued on the use of 1) invertebrate population genetics, and 2) bioluminescent bacterial indicator tests as rapid bioassessment indicators of chemical impacts. The genetic approach is promising; the bacterial indicator test yielded variable results. The immunological consequences of waterfowl eating moldy field corn was studied under laboratory conditions. The mold toxins (aflatoxins) suppressed immune responses at 5 mg/L. In another study, baseline data on the Oakwood Lake fishery was obtained to evaluate the benefits of nutrient reduction from agriculture fields in the watershed. The fish population was dominated by bullheads (Ameiurus spp.); only 7% were game fish. Winterkill caused an increase in the abundance of nongame fish.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90

Outputs
A survey was conducted of east river South Dakota farmers. About 55% of the landowners reported having wetlands. Hay yield averaged 3.6 to 3.8 metric tons/hectare. About 18% harvested or allowed harvest of bait fish. About 17% of thse responding in the open comments section of the survey, indicated a desire for information about bait harvesting. About 36% of the hunters surveyed had lost access to traditional areas because landowners are now charging a hunting access fee; more landowners are charging access fees for hunting. Wetland restoration and management are being practiced by some farmers. Waterfowl, macroinvertebrates, fish, and hydrophytes were studied in 156 wetlands that had been restored for 1 to 7 years. Extensive colonization occurred, even in those inundated for only one year. Hay bales (and other artificial nest platforms) can be left in a marsh to assist waterfowl nesting. Average waterfowl occupancy of all structures was 35%; average nesting success was 70%. Hay bales had the highest occupancy and bales lasted 2 - 3 years when made of flax straw. Generally net farm income was raised by having CRP lands. When CRP is released for emergency haying, idle blocks rather than idle strips should be left because nesting success was 3 X higher in blocks.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89

Outputs
South Dakota suffered from the 1988 drought resulting in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture releasing CRP lands or emergency forage with the provision that at least 10% of the field be left in idle strips. Waterfowl nests were located with a cable-chain drag on CRP habitat in Brookings, Day, and Kingsbury counties in eastern South Dakota. Ninety-one (53.2%) nests were located in hayed strips, 36 (21.14%) in idle strips, 44 (25.7%) in idle blocks; 14 additional nests were located in a CRP field that was totally hayed. Nest densities per 40.5 ha (100 acres) were 3.6 in hayed strips, 12.8 in idle strips, and 6.2 in idle blocks on May 8-24. Visual obstruction rating (VOR) averaged 1.0 dm for hayed strips, 2.2 dm in idle strips, and 2.1 dm in idle blocks. A second search located 92 nests. Nest densities per 40.5 ha found on June 15-21 were 4.2 in hayed strips, 17.2 in idle strips, and 18.5 in idle blocks. VOR's were 3.9 dm in hayed strips, 4.7 in idle strips, and 5.4 in idle blocks. May field nest success was 26.5% in hayed strips, 7.1% in idle stips,and 22.4% in idle blocks. Throw traps were used to estimate the fish population of six palustrine wetlands in South Dakota. Dominant species were fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), brook sticklebacks (Culaea inconstans), black bullheads (Ictalurus melas), and larval tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum).

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88

Outputs
South Dakota broodstocks of walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) were similar to eachother but different than Upper Mississippi River stocks. Allele frequencies of two (MDH-3, GMP-3) of the 21 loci examined differed significantly between the South Dakota and Mississippi River walleyes. No meristic characteristics separated the stocks. Eight morphometric characteristics could be used to classify stocks, with 83-97% accuracy. In lab tests, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike (Esox lucius) consumed fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) 2.6 times more frequently than walleye fingerlings and 5.6 times more than similar-sized Lepomids. During the initial 72 hours after stocking, walleye fingerlings were not vulnerable to predation. Waterfowl use and nest success on earth-filled culverts, round hay bales, and cone baskets was evaluated. Occupancy was greater on bales (37%) than baskets (23%) but success was higher on baskets (72%) than bales (32%). Vegetation characteristics and waterfowl nesting were studied in rejuvenation treatments applied to two types of deteriorated seeded nesting cover (tame grasses and dense nesting cover) to determine if treatments enhanced vegetation height and density, and waterfowl nesting success. Of 201 duck nests found in 1987, more nests hatched per 100 acres on control sites (20) than on treatment sites: hayed (17), hayed-scarified (10), hayed-fertilized (10).

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87

Outputs
Protein electrophoresis, morphological measurements, meristic counts, and performance tests were used to distinguish between Missouri River and Glacial Lake Stocks of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum). Discriminate analysis indicated that each of 3 subpopulations from Oahe Reservoir and the Glacial Lake population were morphologically distinct. Of the five polymorphic loci examined, only liver ADH varied significantly among stocks. The two stocks have performed similarly in growth and survival in ponds after being stocked as fingerlings. Survival of walleye fry stocked at 88 fish/hectare in the evaporation and holding reservoirs at the Big Stone Power Plant varied between reservoirs after 12 months. Survival in the evaporation resevoir was 1.5% with a standing crop of 0.13 kg/hectare; survival in the holding reservoir was 17.2% with a standing crop of 1.33 kg/hectare. Duck nesting on three kinds of artificial nesting structures, round hay bales, cone-type baskets, and cement culvert structures, was evaluated. The condition and location of the structure within wetlands were correlated with structure, occupancy rates, and nesting success. Occupancy was greater on bales than baskets (37% vs 23%), nesting success was higher on baskets than bales (72% vs 32%), and species diversity was greater on bales than on baskets (8 species vs. 3 species). Effects of spraying Glyphosate herbicide on wetlands dominated by cattail (Typha latifolia) stands were not evident until the spring after treatment.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86

Outputs
Initial work concerning genetic differences between South Dakota's two basic walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) stocks, the Lake Oahe and glacial lakes stocks, was conducted. Approximately 900,000 walleye fry were stocked in May in the Evaporation Reservoir at the Big Stone Power Plant; fathead minnows (Pimephales promelus) were stocked June to August as forage (496 L). Walleys were 15 cm by the end of August but growth then slowed. Approximately 2,000 walleyes were harvested. Other samples of walleyes for genetic analysis were collected from several sites and equipment obtained for enzyme electrophoresis. Peformance studies of the two stocks were aborted when sufficient eggs could not be obtained from the glacial lakes stock, however, seven possible grow-out sites were evaluated using the Oahe strain. Evaluation of duck nesting use and success on round hay bales versus man-made basket structures was conducted in northcentral South Dakota. Occupancy rates were higher on bales (37%) than on structures (23%) during the first year and nesting success for ducks was twice as high on structures than on bales, 61% and 27%, respectively. A greater variety of duck species nested on bales (n=8) than on baskets (n=3).

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 07/01/85 to 12/30/85

Outputs
Low survival of walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) and muskellunge (Esax masquinongy), due to stressful water temperatures in the cooling reservoir of the Big Stone Power Plant, resulted in the termination of that phase of the project. The walleye project was moved to the holding pond, another power plant reservoir that has ambient water temperatures. An estimated 41 walleye remained in the cooling reservoir from a stocking of 35,000 in 1982. Population estimates of centrarehid forage were estimated at 350,000 for bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) and 7,500 for orangespotted sunfish (L. humilis). Bluegill distribution differed from that of the walleye and other cool water species by being concentrated in the mixing zone rather than at the discharge or intake areas. Walleye in the holding pond (stocked in 1981-82) were between 301-450mm in length. Young walleye were also captured, indicating that stocked fish had reproduced. Numerous wetlands projects continued. Cattle grazing significantly (P less than or equal to .05) reduced the residual cover of cattails in two semipermanent wetlands resulting in a 10-fold increase in spring waterfowl use during the first post-treatment year. Late season mowing of three wetlands in 1983 decreased vegetation yield in 1984 on two sites, but increased yield on the third site. All five of the major wetland plant species investigated were most nutritious in the spring.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications