The rapidly spreading wildfires of the western North Dakota prairies were devastating for early settlers - destroying homes, possessions, and crops. These fires, though destructive, controlled the growth of woody plants. Prescribed Burning Controlled burns, also known as prescribed burns, are a tool used by land managers to reduce western snowberry and other woody plants. The result is a habitat attractive to grassland wildlife species, such as grasshopper sparrows and ferruginous hawks. Fire also removes the old growth, which releases nutrients and stimulates new growth.
Grazing is equally important to plants and wildlife, producing many of the same results as fire.
However, periods during which the land is left undisturbed by burning and grazing are also needed to maintain healthy habitats. This is an excellent area to roam around and view Baird's and grasshopper sparrows and Sprague's pipits. Wetlands Wetlands on Lostwood Refuge have formed in a wide range of sizes and vary from fresh to highly salty, or alkaline water. This diversity attracts an extensive variety of wetland-dependant wildlife, each having particular preferences in wetlands. For example, blue-winged teal prefer fresh, temporary wetlands, while gadwall prefer more alkaline waters.