Caring for the grasslands

submitted by the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, U.S. Forest Service

Many of you are excited about the warmer temperatures of spring and may want to visit your National Grasslands. Whether it’s for hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, or taking advantage of warm weather and breathtaking scenery, exceptional recreational opportunities abound this time of year. During the time between the end of winter and Spring green up it is important to be mindful of the conditions that lead to high fire danger while recreating on the grasslands. Strong winds and dry grass make it easy for a fire to start and quickly grow large. When conditions are dry and brown, extra care is needed with any fire source.

In developed recreation sites, please use the fire ring, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided. Put all fires out completely and wait a few minutes to ensure they are fully out before leaving the fire unattended. Open fires in dispersed areas should be used under extreme caution and may be limited and/or prohibited under certain conditions. Check with the local USFS-Ranger District on current fire restrictions.

If you are planning to visit the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, please also consider the following:

Camping: is allowed anywhere on the National Grasslands. In campgrounds, camp only in places specifically marked or provided.

Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out: Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Pack-it-in, pack-it-out also applies to removal of horse manure and leftover feed hay.

Motorized Use: there is a policy on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands that confines motorized vehicles (e.g., trucks, atvs, utvs, etc.) to approved roads and trails only. This includes the Little Missouri, Sheyenne, Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands and Denbigh Experimental Forest.

Discharging of Firearms: Discharging a firearm is not allowed in, or within, 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; across/on a road or body of water; or any circumstance whereby any person may be injured. Use of tannerite and/or exploding targets is prohibited on NFS lands.

Invasive Species Spread Prevention: Prevention is the least expensive and most effective way to halt the spread of noxious weeds and other invasive species. The following protective measures should be employed to reduce the spread of noxious weeds and other invasive species on public lands:

• Help prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer; do not transport firewood long distances. Instead, buy it where you’ll burn it, buy certified heat-treated firewood, or gather it on-site where permitted.

• Learn about noxious weeds and avoid camping in and/or traveling through infestations. Be sure to clean vehicles and equipment after each use. Tire tread and the vehicle undercarriages can spread undesirable weed seeds to very remote locations where detection and treatment are difficult.

• Stock users should be aware that the possession or storage of hay, grain, straw, cubes, pelletized feed, or mulch, that is not certified noxious weed seed free is prohibited while on public lands. Each individual bale or container must be tagged or marked as weed free and reference the written certification. Proof of the feed’s weed free certification must be in possession with the feed. Stock users are encouraged to feed their stock certified hay and grain for 3 to 4 days prior to heading into the backcountry and other public lands to help reduce the spread of weed seeds.

The following link can be used to locate certified noxious weed seed free forage products in North Dakota: https://www.nd.gov/ndda/plant-industries/weed-seed-free-forage-program/certified-weed-seed-free-forage-available-sale

We hope you enjoy recreating on the National Grasslands!