gracilis) and uplands. In some locations salt 

 efflorescence was noted in the Distichlis spicata flats, 

 indicating it exists along the capillary fringe of wetland 

 sites. Alkali bulrush (Scirpus maritimus) , hardstem 

 bulrush (Scirpus acutus) , and sharp bulrush (S. pungens) 

 dominate the communities at the shoreline fringes in 

 positions that are nearly continuously flooded. Prairie 

 cordgrass {Spartina gracilis) was noted in shoreline 

 patches. The Baltic rush -clustered field sedge meadow 

 Qurxcus balticm-Carex praegraciUs Emergent Vegetation) 

 is found on wetland sites that appear to be only 

 temporarily or intermittently flooded. Where 

 disturbance occurs in this vegetation, American licorice 

 (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) can be an important component. 

 Canada thistle {Cirsium arvense) is scattered in with the 

 Glycyrrhiza lepidota and has patches of abundance in 

 the Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland where it 

 forms a discontinuous and narrow fringe between true 

 wetland sites and upland grasslands. There are also 

 gentle mudflats and a small bay on the eastern shore. 



OVERALL BIODIVERSITT SIGNIFICANCE: 

 There are no intact upland plant associations 

 represented on Bruce's Island. In the southern portion 

 of the island there are typical Northern Glaciated 

 Plains Section wetlands types represented. These 

 wetland types may be more appropriately sought as 

 RNA targets among natural wetland basins, and it is 

 expected that they are represented elsewhere on the 

 refuge system in Montana. 



Wildlife values were not evaluated. It has previously 

 been documented that Bruce's Island harbors nesting 

 subpopulations of piping plovers, federally listed as 

 threatened. It is said to be productive for waterfowl and 

 upland game bird nesting, as well as harboring 

 significant numbers of Baird's sparrows and grasshopper 

 sparrows. Site biodiversity significance may hinge on 

 the contribution of Big Island avifauna to the Medicine 

 Lake landscape as a whole. The artificially maintained 

 lake levels erisure the isolation of Bruce's Island as an 

 island, directly contributing to the core waterfowl 

 protection mandate. It is one of two major islands in 

 the lake, and among the few large islands in the Prairie 

 Pothole landscape of northeastern Montana. 



LAND USE: 



Bruce's Island is covered by a tamegrass planting or 

 "goback" of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) 

 over the higher northern half of the island, and has 

 been grazed in the past. It has been an island since lake 

 levels were raised. 



MANAGEMENT COMMENTS: 



The site has limited potential to serve as a natural area 



ecology/botany baseline despite its wildlife values 



Homestead Research Natural 

 Area 



ENVIRONMENT: 



The Homestead RNA is a 39 acre tract on a gently- 

 rolling glacial till deposit above the mouth of Lake 

 Creek on Big Muddy Creek. Soils are a mixture of 

 Bowdoin and Lohler clay loams in the northwest 

 comer, with Manning coarse sandy loam along the 

 eastern margin (Richardson and Hanson 1977). The 

 semi-arid continental climate has peak precipitation in 

 June followed by July and May, and a mean annual 

 precipitation of 13.25 inches (Climate data from 

 Medicine Lake, Western Regional Climate Center, 

 1911-1997). 



VEGETATION: 



The grassland is unbroken but heavily invaded or 

 seeded into smooth brome {Bromiis inertrus) and 

 quackgrass (Elymus repens). The closest semblance to a 

 natural plant association is composed of small, weedy 

 patches of western wheatgrass - blue grama grassland 

 (Pascopryrum srruthii - Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous 

 Vegetation). Sample plots were not established in the 

 course of field reconnaissance of this RNA because of 

 the lack of intact vegetation. 



OVERALL BIODIVERSITT SIGNIFICANCE: 

 The RNA was originally designated in recognition of its 

 value as a lek for breeding sharptail grouse, as well its 

 reported vegetation features. Wildlife values were not 

 evaluated. 



LAND USE: 



There are abandoned quarry sites present. The name 

 for the area comes from the nearest town called 

 "Homestead." The site is bordered by roads on two 

 sides, with deep ditches to drain water from the 

 roadbed, lowering the water table. Cottonwood trees 

 have become established in the ditch on the western 

 margin. 



MANAGEMENT COMMENTS: 



The site has limited potential to serve as a natural area 



ecology/botany baseline despite its wildlife values. 



46 



