NATIONAL PARK SERVICE An Identification of Prairie in National Park Units in the Great Plains NPS Occasional Paper No. 7

SOUTHWEST REGION

ALIBATES FLINT QUARRIES
National Monument
Texas

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument was established on August 31, 1965. Its purpose is to preserve a concentration of unique flint quarries used as a source of raw materials for weapons and tools by High Plains prehistoric Indian cultures.

It consists of 1,332.6 acres (539.5 hectares) and is located on the Canadian River Breaks in Texas. A total of 1,062.6 acres is federally owned. All of the land, except for roads and other developed sites and creekbeds, may be classified as prairie (Figure 30).

Figure 30. Prairie map, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: Shinnery (Quercus—Andropogon) (Map No. 71)

Present Vegetation and Prairie Management History

Grasses cover most of the canyon slopes throughout the area. Blue grama predominates but other grasses and forbs are common. Broad river terraces are largely grasslands with scattered honey mesquite, prickly pears (Opuntia spp.), one-seed juniper, sumacs (Rhus spp.), and daleas (Dalea spp.). The introduced, annual species Russian thistle (Salsola iberica) is common on disturbed sites.

Prairie within the boundaries of Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument was moderately to heavily grazed by domestic livestock, primarily cattle, for almost a century. In some cases the cattle's hooves have damaged the flint resources. Cattle no longer graze in the park.

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is surrounded on three sides by the Coldwater Cattle Company, which is a typical cattle ranching operation. The fourth side is bordered by the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Portions of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area are grazed by cattle under special use permits.

Prairie Research

No prairie research has been conducted on the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

General References

National Park Service. 1975. Alibates Flint Quarries/Texas. A brochure. 2 pages.

National Park Service. 1976. Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument/Texas. General development plan. 33 pages.

National Park Service. 1976. Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument/Texas. Visitor use plan. 36 pages.

National Park Service. 1976. Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument/Texas. Resources management plan. 51 pages.

National Park Service. 1978. Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument/Texas. General management plan. 38 pages.

CAPULIN MOUNTAIN
National Monument
New Mexico

Capulin Mountain is the cone of a volcano that was active only 10,000 years ago. Its conical form rises 1,000 feet (305 meters) above its base. The mountain consists chiefly of loose cinders, ash, and other rock debris. These materials were spewed out by successive eruptions and fell back upon the vent, piling up to form the conical mound. The beauty of Capulin Mountain is enhanced by an abundance of vegetation. The mountain is covered with both grassland and forest.

Capulin Mountain National Monument was established on August 9, 1916. It contains 775.4 acres (313.92 hectares). All of the land is federally owned. Approximately 220 acres (89 hectares) are native prairie (Figure 31).

Figure 31. Prairie map, Capulin Mountain National Monument.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: A mosaic of Grama—Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua—Buchloe) and Juniper—Pinyon Woodland (Juniperus—Pinus) (Map Nos. 23 and 65)

Present Vegetation and Prairie Management History

The prairies of Capulin Mountain National Monument were grazed primarily by sheep from early settlement through 1936. The monument was fenced in 1937. Ninety acres (36 hectares) along the west and southwest boundaries were added to the monument and fenced in 1973. Prior to fencing, these areas were grazed by both sheep and cattle. Approximately 180 acres (73 hectares) were grazed by cattle from 1973 until 1978, under terms of a grazing permit. Fires are suppressed on the monument.

Research from 1974 through 1979 indicated that the most common grasses of the prairie at Capulin Mountain National Monument were mutton bluegrass (Poa fendleriana), western wheatgrass, squirreltail, little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), ringgrass muhly, blue grama, and sideoats grama. Important forbs were Russian thistle (Salsola iberica), goosefoots (Chenopodium spp.), sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), and sages (Artemisia spp.). Shrubs included Spanish bayonet (Yucca angustifolia), oaks (Quercus spp.), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), true mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), and prickly pears (Opuntia spp.).

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

Land use is primarily for grazing. Prior to 1941, grazing was primarily by sheep. Since that time, grazing has been primarily by cattle.

Prairie Research

Harfert, Robert C. and F. M. Brown. 1967. A study of the vegetation on volcanic cinder cones and their relationship to the caliche layers of Capulin Mountain. A Report. National Park Service.

This research investigated the vegetative differences between three volcanoes of similar age and dimensions. The study concluded that one factor causing Capulin Mountain to be densely covered with trees is the layering of caliche near to the surface of the slopes, aiding in moisture retention and availability.

Gennaro, A. L., James Patton, and Thomas Soapes. 1976. Report on biological studies at Capulin Mountain National Monument during the late spring, summer, and early fall of 1976. Natural History Museum, Eastern New Mexico University, Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico.

Gennaro, A. L. 1977. Report on biological studies at Capulin Mountain National Monument during the late spring, summer, and early fall of 1977. Natural History Museum, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico.

Gennaro, A. L. 1978. Report on biological studies at Capulin Mountain National Monument during the late spring, summer, and early fall of 1978. Natural History Museum, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico.

Gennaro, A. L., Mary Sublette, and Gary S. Pfaffenberger. 1979. Report on biological studies at Capulin Mountain National Monument during the late spring, summer, and early fall of 1979. Natural History Museum, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico.

A grassland monitoring program and other research was conducted from 1974 through 1979 by Dr. A. L. Gennaro and associates of the Natural History Museum of Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico. The primary purposes of the program was to determine if grazing was detrimental to certain areas of the monument. A grazing exclosure was constructed. Litter, cover, and vegetation inside and outside of the exclosure were compared over several years. The researchers concluded that grazing was reducing the amount of litter. They stated that a reduction in litter would cause decreased humus accumulation, soil aeration, nutrient retention of the humus fraction, recycling of nutrient materials, and seed germination. Cool season grasses were also being reduced by grazing. Based on these findings, grazing permits were not renewed in 1978.

A floral survey and insect survey were also conducted. The plant checklist includes 44 families and 172 species. Studies of animal utilization of browse species and a deer index were also conducted by Dr. Gennaro.

General References

National Park Service. 1974. Natural resources management plan. Capulin Mountain National Monument/New Mexico.

National Park Service. 1976. Interim Interpretive Plan. Capulin Mountain National Monument/New Mexico. 24 pages.

National Park Service. 1982. Capulin Mountain National Monument/New Mexico. A brochure. 2 pages.

National Park Service. 1983. Plant Checklist. Capulin Mountain National Monument/New Mexico. 6 pages.

CHICKASAW
National Recreation Area
Oklahoma

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located in the transition zone between the prairie and forest in south-central Oklahoma. When first established in 1906, the area was named Platt National Park. The National Park Service assumed responsibility for administering certain additional lands and waters of the Arbuckle Reservoir in 1965. Platt National Park and Arbuckle Recreation Area were combined and renamed the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in 1976 to commemorate the Indian tribe upon whose lands the park was located.

Total acreage of the park is 9,500.1 (3,846.2 hectares). Federal land totals 9,112.3 acres (3,689.2 hectares), and nonfederal land totals 387.8 acres (157.0 hectares). Water covers about 2,409 acres (975.30 hectares). The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is composed of the Travertine District (formerly Platt National Park), Lake District (formerly Arbuckle Recreation Area), and Rock Creek Corridor (land acquired in 1976 to join the two areas). Prairie is estimated to occupy from 1,200 acres (486 hectares) to 1,500 acres (607 hectares) (Figure 32).

Figure 32. Vegetation map, Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: A mosaic of Bluestem Prairie (Andropogon—Panicum—Sorghastrum) and Cross Timbers (Quercus—Andropogon) (Map Nos. 74 and 84)

Present Vegetation and Prairie Management History

Four distinct forest types have been identified. The short-lobed oak (Quercus breviloba) type is characterized by absence of understory in shaded areas and open areas are characterized by communities of buckbrushes (Symphoricarpos spp.) and other species requiring small amounts of moisture for growth. In the post oak/winged elm (Quercus stellata/Ulmus alata) type, Texas ash (Fraxinus texensis) and catbrier (Smilax bona-nox) often occur in association. The Texas oak/chinkapin oak (Quercus texana/Quercus muehlenbergii) type often has an understory dominated by American elm (Ulmus americana), roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondi), winged elm (Ulmus alata), and bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). The American elm/southern hackberry (Ulmus americana/Celtis laevigata) type has a bitternut hickory and black walnut (Juglans nigra) as secondary species.

Three types of grassland are present in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The little bluestem type occupies mesic, upland sites with well drained soils. Dominant plants are little bluestem and tall dropseed (Sporobolus asper). Forbs are mostly perennials typical of the tallgrass prairie. Vegetation of this type is in a late stage of succession approaching a bluestem prairie. The hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta) type occupies xeric uplands with thin, dry soils. Principal dominants are hairy grama and red threeawn (Aristida purpurea). Forbs are mostly annuals and short lived perennials. This type is probably indicative of severe overgrazing in the past. The third is the reverchon muhly (Muhlenbergia reverchoni) type. Reverchon muhly is the only dominant. It occupies poorly drained, thin soils that are saturated in the spring and very dry in the late summer.

Prairie vegetation was subjected to severe overgrazing before acquisition by the National Park Service. Some grazing has continued. A bison pasture of 90 acres (36 hectares) is located in the Travertine District. A portion of the area was formerly cultivated. These areas are now undergoing succession.

Grazing still occurs on Chickasaw National Recreation Area. From 9 to 12 bison graze the bison pasture in the Travertine District. Approximately 300 cattle graze about 1,000 acres (405 hectares) along Rock Creek. None of the area is cultivated, but haying is done on 103 acres (42 hectares) in the Lake District along Guy Sandy Creek.

This vegetative composition of the area continues to change. The trend is toward an increase in eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and a corresponding decrease in the native grasses and forbs. This vegetational shift may be the result of the policy to extinguish all fires, even though fire was a natural component of the ecosystem.

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

Some grazing occurs around the park, but it is not major. Farming is minimal, but there are a number of small family gardens. Production of hay is the main agricultural enterprises. Many areas immediately outside of the park boundaries have similar vegetation to that found within the park.

Prairie Research

Anonymous. Undated. The vegetation type survey of Platt National Park, 1937-1939. Mimeo. National Park Service. 28 pages.

This work was done by the Branch of Forestry, Civilian Conservation Corps of the W.P.A. Project during the period of 1937 through 1939. A vegetation survey was conducted and a vegetation type map was prepared for the 849 acres (344 hectares) Platt National Park. Lists of species and species acreage summaries are included.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. 1956. A preliminary survey of the flora of the Arbuckle Mountains, Oklahoma. The Texas Journal of Science. VIII:41-75.

This article assembles the published and unpublished literature on the flora of the Arbuckle Mountains and compiles a checklist of the vascular plants of the region. Geology, climate, and ecology are also discussed. The checklist includes 867 species.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. 1959. The grasslands of Platt National Park. The Southwestern Naturalist. 4:45-60.

An ecological analysis was made in 1956 of the grasslands of Platt National Park. These grasslands had been protected from disturbance for about 26 years. It was concluded that the three natural grassland types of the area were in a subsere condition. The little bluestem type most closely approached the original climax. The hairy grama type was comprised of xeric, preclimax vegetation on the least disturbed areas. The reverchon muhly type was a subsere community with a single dominant which was tolerant of alternate wet and dry soil moisture conditions. A list of 124 vascular plants that occurred in the grasslands is included.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. 1965. Final report on vegetation and microenvironments of Platt National Park. Mimeo. National Park Service. 57 pages.

In this final report, Dr. Dale summarized all of the vegetation data that had been collected in the Platt National Park and includes some new information. A number of tables showing the relative frequency, relative density, relative basal area, and importance percentage are included for several vegetation types. New data on soils and microclimate are included.

Merrill, George M. 1935. Unpublished.

George Merrill collected over 600 species and varieties of native vascular plants. These specimens were placed in an herbarium at the Platt National Park in 1935.

General References

National Park Service. 1979. General management plan. Chickasaw National Recreation Area/Oklahoma. 93 pages.

National Park Service. 1979. Resources management plan. Chickasaw National Recreation Area/Oklahoma. 46 pages.

National Park Service. 1982. Chickasaw National Recreation Area/Oklahoma. A brochure. 4 pages.

FORT UNION
National Monument
New Mexico

Fort Union was established in 1851 to help defend the New Mexico Territory. Included in the monument are the remains of three forts covering the period of 1851 to 1891. Remains of the Santa Fe Trails are adjacent to the third fort that was constructed between 1863 and 1866. Fort Union was abandoned in February 1891.

Fort Union National Monument was established in 1956. It is composed of two parcels of land totalling 720.60 acres (291.7 hectares). Parcel One contains 637 acres (258 hectares) of grassland. Parcel Two contains 83.6 acres (34 hectares) that is mainly grassland with a fringe of rocks, pinyon pine (Pinus edulis), juniper (Juniperus sp.), and scrub oak (Quercus sp.) at its western edge. Nearly all of the land, except that near and comprising the building site, is native prairie (Figure 33).

Figure 33. Prairie map, Fort Union National Monument.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: Grama—Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua—Buchloe) (Map No. 65)

Present Vegetation and Prairie Management History

The area that is now Fort Union National Monument was probably heavily grazed during the 40-year period of activity. The area was also grazed from the time of abandonment in 1891 until establishment of the national monument in 1956. The area was fenced in 1956 and no grazing of domestic animals or other use of the vegetation has been made since that time. Fires are controlled and the prairie vegetation is generally in excellent condition.

The most important grasses at Fort Union in 1884 were listed as (current nomenclature follows in parenthesis):

Current vegetation is probably similar to that of 1884. Blue grama is the dominant ground cover, and there is a scattering of other grasses. Blue penstemon (Penstemon glaber), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), slimflower scurfpea, verbena (Verbena sp.), primrose (Oenothera sp.), locoweed (Astragalus sp.), and a variety of coneflowers (Ratibida spp.) are common. Only a few shrubs, such as skunkbrush sumac (Rhus trilobata) and fourwing saltbrush (Atriplex canescens), are present. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) was sprigged into the parade ground.

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

Both parcels of land are completely surrounded by the Fort Union Ranch. Cattle grazing is the only current land use. Vegetation surrounding the monument is similar to the vegetation within the monument, although vegetation within the monument is in better condition.

Prairie Research

A historic vegetation study is now in progress, but no preliminary data are available.

General References

National Park Service. 1964. Master plan. Fort Union National Monument/New Mexico. 15 pages.

National Park Service. 1977. Fort Union National Monument/New Mexico. A brochure. 4 pages.

LAKE MEREDITH
Recreation Area
Texas

Over the centuries, the Canadian River cut a broad, meandering canyon through the hard caprock of the arid plains of North Texas. The river and the breaks of these high plains, or Llano Estacado, served as linear landmarks throughout the settlement of the area. In 1965, as a part of the Canadian River Project, a dam was placed across the river, and Lake Meredith was created. The National Park Service administers the recreational use of the lake area. It was originally known as Sanford Recreational Area. The name was changed to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in October 1972.

Total area within the boundaries is 44,994.3 acres (18,216.3 hectares). Nearly 70% of the land, 20,000 acres (8,097 hectares) may be classified as prairie (Figure 34).

Figure 34. Land classification, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: Shinnery (Quercus—Andropogon) (Map No. 71)

Present Vegetation and Prairie Management History

The prairie areas of Lake Meredith Recreation Area were grazed by domestic livestock for about a century before the dam was constructed. About 10,364 acres (4,196 hectares) of the area is still grazed by cattle under six special use permits. This moderate to heavy grazing has impacted the prairie vegetation. About 2,750 acres (1,113 hectares) of the area has been removed from grazing during the past ten years and are currently undergoing succession toward climax vegetation.

The vegetation can be grouped into five major plant associations. The steep slope, gravelly slope, mesatop, and sandhill associations would be classified as prairie. The fifth association, bottomland, would not be prairie.

The steep slope association is located along steeply sloping areas along the Canadian River and in side canyons. These are grass-dominated stands with a mixture of shrubs and forbs. Grasses include sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) and little bluestem. This association is relatively undisturbed.

The gravelly slope association is located on ridges, knolls, and undulating areas of uplands. Stands in the eastern part of the area are composed of a mixture of grama grasses and a few small shrubs. Stands in the western part have larger shrubs such as one-seed juniper. Some of these areas have been disturbed by trail bikes and other vehicles.

The mesatop association is located on level to gently sloping uplands. Buffalograss and blue grama dominate. Some of these sites show the effect of grazing by domestic animals.

The sandhill association is a mixture of shrubs, grasses, and forbs. Sand sagebrush is the dominant. Vegetation in this association has deteriorated due to excessive grazing by domestic livestock.

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

Lake Meredith Recreation Area is surrounded on three sides by rangeland. These areas are grazed by cattle in typical ranching operations. A small portion of the park shares a common border with the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. Few differences exist between the vegetation within and outside of the park boundaries. Vegetation in areas protected from grazing is generally in better condition than in those being grazed.

Prairie Research

Wright, Robert A., and Keith Meador. 1979. The vegetation of the Lake Meredith Recreation Area, Texas. A Report. 72 pages.

Data were collected on the quantitative representation of the species in various stands of vegetation. From these data, the stands were grouped into five major plant associations: bottomland, steep slope, gravelly slope, mesatop, and sandhill. Their species list includes 333 forbs and woody plants and 73 grasses. Each species is listed by scientific name, common name, life span, and origin.

Killebrew, Flavius C. Undated. A survey and population analysis of mammals by habitat at Lake Meredith Recreation Area and Alibates National Monument. A report. 106 pages.

Ten habitat types for small mammals at Lake Meredith Recreation were described. Habitat types were characterized by recording soil type, location, and vegetation. Three types were specific to the prairie areas. This report includes vegetation composition for 25 grids and an excellent set of photographs representing the habitat types.

Higgins, Larry. undated. A checklist of the plants of Blue West, Lake Meredith. A Report. 7 pages.

This checklist includes 145 forbs and woody plants and 31 grasses of the Blue West region. They are listed by scientific name.

General References

National Park Service. 1973. Master plan. Lake Meredith Recreation Area/Texas. 59 pages.

National Park Service. 1973. Proposed comprehensive design plan, Blue West. Lake Meredith Recreation Area/Texas. 105 pages.

National Park Service. 1974. Natural resources management plan. Lake Meredith Recreation Area/Texas. 57 pages.

National Park Service. 1975. Lake Meredith/Texas. A brochure. 4 pages.

National Park Service. 1976. Statement for management. Lake Meredith Recreation Area/Texas. 37 pages.

LYNDON B. JOHNSON
National Historical Park
Texas

Establishment of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park was approved on December 2, 1969. It includes two units, totaling 1,477.8 acres (598.3 hectares). The Johnson City Unit centers on the President's boyhood home and Johnson family Settlement and contains approximately 75 acres (30 hectares). About 56 acres (23 hectares) are classified as prairie (Figure 35). The LBJ Ranch forms the nucleus of the second unit. Approximately 145 acres (60 hectares) of the total 217 acres (88 hectares) are devoted to forage production. This is an improved range area with irrigation capacity that is used for forage production and grazing. It cannot be classified as prairie.

Figure 35. Prairie map, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: Juniper—Oak Savanna (Juniperus—Quercus—Andropogon) (Map No. 86)

Present Vegetation and Prairie Management History

Soon after 1850, a few pioneers settled in the area. The country was primarily open range covered with tall grasses such as little bluestem, big bluestem, sideoats grama, indiangrass, and tall dropseed. Ashe juniper, or cedar (Juniperus ashei), was confined to a few cedar breaks. The first fences were built during the 1850's. When fences were built, livestock were concentrated in the enclosures. No effort was made to balance numbers of livestock with available forage, which resulted in overstocking. This resulted in a decrease in the tall prairie grasses and an increase in woody plants and other weeds. Soil erosion followed. Vegetation at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park has been historically subjected to heavy grazing. This is evidenced by the condition of the rangeland. Over 60% was classified in March 1981, as being in poor condition (25% of climax or less), and the remaining area was only in fair condition (25 to 50% of climax). The U.S. Soil Conservation Service recommended that a portion of the area be reseeded to native species. These areas continue to be grazed but at a moderate level. Present vegetation is made up of a few desirable species and many weedy species. It includes indiangrass, cane bluestem (Bothriochloa barbinodis), Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis), tall dropseed, buffalograss, Texas wintergrass (Stipa leucotricha), red threeawn, johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), gayfeathers (Liatris spp.), engelmann daisy (Engelmannia pinnatifida), catbriar (Smilax bona-nox), honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), flameleaf sumac (Rhus copallina), bur clover (Medicago hispida), Texas filaree (Erodium texanum), upright prairieconeflower (Ratibida columnifera), greenthreads (Thelesperma spp.), rosering gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella), Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis), and bundleflowers (Desmanthus spp.).

In 1974, National Park Service personnel recognized that many of the native grasses had disappeared. They chiseled, disked, and planted native grass seeds on a small area in the northwest portion of the Johnson Settlement.

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

Residential and commercial properties exist north and east of the Johnson City Unit of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Rangeland, which is devoted to livestock grazing, is found to the south and west.

Prairie Research

Soil Conservation Service. 1981. Soil and water conservation plan. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. United States Department of Agriculture. 21 pages.

Personnel from the Soil Conservation Service evaluated the range condition in 1981. They determined that over 60% of the area was in poor condition with the remaining area in fair condition. In addition, they formulated a conservation plan which called for an outlined procedures for range seeding, weed control, fertilizer application, deferred grazing, proper grazing use, planned grazing systems, and recreational area improvement. This plan includes maps and a species composition list.

General References

Malechek, Dale. 1976. Cattle management by the National Park Service at the LBJ Ranch. A report.

Malechek, Dale. 1976. Grass management and grazing of Johnson Settlement pastures. A report.

National Park Service. 1975. Interpretive prospectus. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site/Texas. 36 pages.

National Park Service. 1976. Proposal analysis. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site/Texas. 24 pages.

National Park Service. 1977. Final master plan. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site/Texas. 31 pages.

National Park Service. 1977. Collection management plan. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site/Texas. 52 pages.

National Park Service. 1977. Resources management plan. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site. 100 pages.

PEA RIDGE
National Military Park
Arkansas

Pea Ridge was the site of an important Civil War Battle in March 1862. Although it took place in Arkansas, it is considered to be the battle that saved Missouri for the Union. It was authorized as Pea Ridge National Military Park on July 20, 1956. The State of Arkansas purchased the land and the transfer of deed to the Federal Government took place on March 7, 1960.

Pea Ridge National Military Park contains 4,300.4 acres (1,741.0 hectares). Federal land totals 4,278.8 acres (1,732.3 hectares). Three acres (1.2 hectares) of prairie have been reestablished (Figure 36). Historical records show that a limited amount of prairie was present at the time of the battle.

Figure 36. Prairie map, Pea Ridge National Military Park.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: Oak—Hickory Forest (Quercus—Carya) (Map No. 100)

The small areas of original prairie were Bluestem Prairie (Andropogon—Panicum—Sorghastrum), but they probably contained many species from the Bluestem—Sacahuista Prairie (Andropogon—Spartina), which is located to the south of the park.

Present Vegetation and Vegetation Management History

Most of the area within the boundaries of the Pea Ridge National Military Park is second growth oak-hickory forest. Approximately 600 acres (243 hectares) of meadow fescue (Festuca elatior) hay are maintained through agricultural use under special use permits to local farmers. These lands were in agricultural use at the time of the battle. A little more than 25 acres (10 hectares) are classified as developed area and are kept mowed.

Prairie reestablishment began in 1975. Areas 1 acre (0.4 hectare) in size were planted to prairie grasses and forbs in 1975, 1976 and 1978. Various planting and management techniques, including burning and mowing, were used. Many of the prairie species are now well established. A more detailed discussion of the condition of the prairie may be found under the section entitled "Prairie Research."

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

All lands adjacent to the Pea Ridge National Military Park are privately owned. Agriculture is the principal use. Small farms are common, with beef and dairy cattle as the major products and poultry and swine production being secondary. Some of the steeper and more hilly land is used for timber production.

Prairie Research

Bearss, Edwin C. 1962. Documented narrative to support historical features and vegetative cover shown on Pea Ridge Historical Base Map. A report. 81 pages.

Edwin C. Bearss produced a report that provided documentation for the features of his Historical Base Map of Pea Ridge National Military Park (Map. No. 3003—A). The map shows the battlefield landscape as it appeared in 1862. It is marked off in grid sections. In the report, Mr. Bearss documents the features shown within each grid section by referencing primary sources and providing quotations from these sources.

Wright, Cris A., Gordon E. Bradford and David E. Classen. 1970. Vegetation of Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton County, Arkansas. Final Report. National Park Service.

This report describes the vegetation of the park.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. 1975. Reestablishment of native prairie at Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton County, Arkansas. Final report. 22 pages.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. 1976. Reestablishment of native prairie at Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton County, Arkansas. Final report. 29 pages.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. 1980. Reestablishment of prairie at Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton County, Arkansas. Final report. 22 pages.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. 1981. Reestablishment of prairie at Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton County, Arkansas. Final report. 25 pages.

Dale, Edward E., Jr. and Thomas C. Smith. 1978. Reestablishment of prairie at Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton County, Arkansas. Final Report. 39 pages.

Smith, Thomas Carter. 1979. Ecological studies on prairie restoration at Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton County, Arkansas. A thesis. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Research on reestablishment of prairie was conducted by Dr. Edward E. Dale, Jr. and Thomas Smith of the Department of Botany and Bacteriology of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Dr. Dale's work was conducted during the period of 1975 to 1981. Prairie plots, each approximately 1 acre (0.4 hectare), in size, were established in 1975, 1976, and 1978.

The area seeded in 1975 was divided into 16 subplots. Species seeded included sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Sods of several prairie grasses and forbs were transplanted into the area in midsummer. A small test area was also seeded to these prairie grasses. These plots were subjected to various combinations of raking, trampling, and mulching. Establishment at the end of the first growing season was estimated to be 5%. Raking was the only treatment which increased establishment. Transplanting of grasses and forbs was successful.

A second area was seeded in 1976. The same species were planted, but the seeding rates were increased to three times the 1975 rate for little bluestem and twice the rate for all other species. Fertilizer was applied to the subplots, and the area was hand-weeded. All species successfully established, and fertilizer improved the growth of the grasses.

Similar methods were used to seed the same five grasses in 1978. Fertilizer was applied to these seedings to improve rate of growth. By September, 1978, ground cover for the seeded species was nearly 20%.

Representative plots of prairie established in 1975, 1976, and 1978 were selected for additional research in 1980. Treatments were burning, mowing, and control. Burning was done in early April, 1980, and mowing was done in April, June, and September. Mulch was left on the ground on one half of each mowed plot and removed from the other half shortly after mowing. No plot was mowed more than once. Seeds of several forbs were broadcast in October, 1981, in the tracts of prairie established in 1975 and 1978. Burning caused a decrease in the cover of grasses. Mowing in April was the only treatment that did not consistently reduce cover. Plots from which the mulch was removed showed consistently greater declines in percentages of prairie grasses than on plots where the mulch was left on the ground.

In summary, results of this study suggest that generally vegetation of restored prairies on which the standing debris and mulch have not been removed for four or five years will show a poorer growth than those areas that have been mowed or burned. It is questionable whether burning was entirely beneficial on all plots. Removal of mulch by burning apparently favored a large increase in weeds. Mowing in June was definitely harmful to prairie grasses. Mowing in April gave the best results. Mulch removal was not beneficial for growth.

General References

National Park Service. 1976. Resources management plan. Pea Ridge National Military Park/Arkansas. 65 pages.

National Park Service. 1976. Statement for management. Pea Ridge National Military Park/Arkansas. 12 pages.

National Park Service. Undated. Pea Ridge National Military Park/Arkansas. A brochure. 2 pages.

PECOS
National Monument
New Mexico

Pecos was a cultural crossroad and frontier outpost for centuries. Indians, Spaniards, and Anglos passed through this mountain gateway between the Great Plains and the Rio Grande Valley seeking trade, treasure, and conquest. Construction of housing complexes began over six centuries ago. By the time of Coronado's visit in 1541, Pecos was a thriving town. Warfare and disease reduced the numbers of inhabitants until the Pecos Pueblo was abandoned in 1838. The establishment of Pecos National Monument was authorized on June 29, 1965.

It is situated in the Upper Sonoran vegetative zone. Forests of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) and one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) open to areas of grasslands.

Approximately 40 acres (16 hectares) of the 364.8 acres (147.7 hectares) within Pecos National Monument is prairie (Figure 37). All of the land is federally owned.

Figure 37. Prairie map, Pecos National Monument.

Kuchler Vegetation Type: Grama—Galleta Steppe (Bouteloua—Hilaria) (Map No. 53)

Present Vegetation and Prairie Management History

The natural vegetation of the Pecos National Monument has been modified by man for centuries. Collection of wood has impacted the forests, and grazing has had the greatest influence on the prairie. Grazing ceased on all but the most recently acquired 20 acres (8 hectares) of the monument in June 1967 when the boundary fence was completed. The 64 acre (26 hectare) core of the monument had been closed to grazing in the 1940's however no exact date is known. Grazing ceased on the latest acquisition in 1978.

In 1978, small ravines throughout the monument were filled with pinyon pine and one-seed juniper brush in an attempt to halt erosion. The meadow (20 acres or 8 hectares) east of the main ruins complex was successfully seeded to Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus) in June 1969. From 1968 until 1981, kochia (Kochia scoparia) was sprayed with herbicides in an attempt to eradicate this exotic species. Since 1981, hand pulling and other methods have been used as control measures. Burning was also used as a control measure.

There are no estimates of the condition of the grasslands. A large species diversity may be found in the area, which will continue to serve as a source of seed for grasslands undergoing succession.

Land Use and Vegetation Within One Mile of the Park Boundary

Lands surrounding the Pecos National Monument are primarily covered with forests with small grassland openings. These areas are currently grazed by domestic animals. Chaining has been frequently used on the pinyon-juniper woodland in an effort to create improved pastureland.

Prairie Research

No formal research relating to prairie has been conducted on Pecos National Monument. Pauline M. Patraw assembled a list of plants, excluding grasses, in the late 1960's. She assembled a 13 page manuscript (unpublished) which is filed at the Pecos National Monument.

General References

National Park Service. 1967. Interpretive prospectus. Pecos National Monument/New Mexico. 31 pages.

National Park Service. 1973. Pecos National Monument/New Mexico. A brochure. 2 pages.

National Park Service. 1975. Final environmental statement. Pecos National Monument/New Mexico. 94 pages.

National Park Service. 1975. Master plan. Pecos National Monument/New Mexico. 28 pages.

National Park Service. Statement for management. Pecos National Monument/New Mexico. 22 pages.