Waters and Geology of the Dakotas

This chapter describes the historical and geological foundations relevant to the current fish populations of North Dakota (ND) and South Dakota (SD). It starts with a brief description of the political and geological history of the area that eventually became the states of North Dakota and South Dakota in the United States of America. Historical fish assemblages are then described, followed by an in-depth review of the eight level III ecoregions. This chapter then concludes with a review of each of the major river systems in each state.