Acquisition and Development Plan (Table 1 and Appendix 1), lay out potential 

 acquisition priorities and targets. Both of these references are reproduced in full in the 

 SCORP Appendix. In terms of dealing with natural wetland complexes, this is the best 

 information currentiy available. The one drawback to this information is the lack of 

 recognition given to the livestock reservoir complexes scattered throughout eastern 

 Montana. 



Significant numbers of stock reservoirs were constructed during the last 30 years by both 

 the private sector and public agencies. A total estimate is not yet available. 

 However,many of these units have washed out or are in need of maintenance work. The 

 construction of these reservoirs did not offset the loss of natural wetiands in the 

 glaciated pothole area of Montana. However these reservoir complexes when 

 constructed in areas of suitable soils and upland vegetation types have been productive 

 for the waterfowl resource. Many of these reservoirs provide an important contribution 

 to waterfowl production and associated recreational opportunities. A statewide program 

 requires an inventory of this portion of the wetiand base and, hopefully, the National 

 Wetiand Inventory project will provide this data. 



Protection Strategies 



State legislation in 1987 (Sec. 87-1-241, 242 MCA) created an earmarked source of 

 revenue that will go towards a wildlife habitat acquisition program. GuideUnes for the 

 program are currentiy being assembled and will apply to wetlands. This is in addition 

 to a State Waterfowl Stamp program initiated in 1985 (Sec. 87-2-411, 412 MCA). Efforts 

 under this latter law are being directed towards enhancement and development of 

 wetiand-upland complexes for waterfowl production. 



The intent of the State Waterfowl Stamp program is to protect, develop and enhance 

 wetlands and associated upland areas to increase waterfowl production capabilities. 

 Specific work activities will take place on both state and privately owned lands and will 

 include incentives for such things as island construction, diking, installation of water 

 control structures, erection of artificial nest structures, seeding of dense nesting cover, 

 and fencing to control livestock grazing. Easements and /or acquisitions will be used to 

 provide public access and to protect existing wetiands. 



This program is reviewed by an advisory council composed of representatives from the 

 agricultural industry, sportsmen and non-consumptive groups. Activities are also 

 overseen by the Montana Fish and Game Commission. Dollars from the Waterfowl 

 Stamp Program will be used to match funds from the Ducks Unlimited Matching Aid 

 to Restore States Habitat (MARSH) program and to assist with development of Ducks 

 Unlimited U.S. habitat projects. 



Under a new U.S. Prairie Pothole Joint Venture Program that is part of the North 

 American Waterfowl Management Plan, several projects are scheduled for possible 

 implementation. The two projects that have been accepted for Montana include the 



