of the large reservoirs (see page 4 of Wetland Inventory - 

 Montana, 1954). 



The second attempt at analyzing the wetlands in the state 

 was made by a Delineation Biologist assigned to the area in 

 1966. Approximately three years were spent locating wetlands 

 for delineation in various counties across the Hi-line. A 

 100% sample was conducted in Blaine, Hill, Phillips, Sheridan 

 and Toole Counties. 3 This sample was conducted from aerial 

 photos and the number and acres of Type 3, 4 and 5 wetlands 

 were tabulated (see Table 1). From this information certain 

 areas were checked on the ground for delineation. Much of 

 Sheridan County was completed for delineations. Other de- 

 lineations were made in Toole, Roosevelt, Glacier, Daniels 

 and Phillips Counties. The problem with the 1966-68 survey 

 was that many good areas were not delineated because only 

 the best areas were included in the survey. A study of pre- 

 cipitation records indicate a series of very dry years pre- 

 vious to 1966, and this may have been why many areas wer? 

 overlooked. Other areas checked in that study included parts 

 of Flathead County. 



Other studies have included "hot spots" where land with duck 

 use becomes available for purchase or someone had an idea 

 about a certain area making a good "refuge". Most of this 

 work was done by state biOiogists and was generally with 

 the idea of development of marshes for other game animals 

 as well as waterfowl . 



II. Wetland Surveys - 1974-75 



As indicated under the purpose of this study, we need a method to 

 rank wetlands for their value to waterfowl. We want wetlands ranked 

 so that, to the extent possible, we can concentrate on acquiring 

 the most valuable wetlands, particularly during times when acquisi- 

 tion funds limit our ability to buy lands. Also, new information has 

 been developed concerning the production of waterfowl and classifi- 

 CAtion of wetlands by research personnel at the Northern Prairie 

 Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota. This information 

 has added a new dimension to our understanding of wetlands and their 

 value to wildl ife. 



A. Criteria for Wetland Value Ratings 



When determining the value of anything as changing as prairie 

 wetlands and as mobile as migrating waterfowl one is faced with 

 serious complications. About the only factor not changing is the 

 land-soil capabilities, and with the incomplete expertise soil 



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