wetlands occurs from filling basins with rocks, car 

 bodies, manure and other debris. 



Many sub-dividers are finding greater value if they 

 have a "own your own pothole" section in their adver- 

 tisement. This usually prevents the wetland from being 

 drained, but eliminates much chance for nesting success 

 by waterfowl. Nests are either abandoned because of 

 human disturbance, destroyed by pets, or are never 

 initiated because nesting habitat becomes a back yard 

 lawn. 



All contribute to the continued destruction of wet- 

 lands as measured by the Vulnerability Section of 

 the rating system. This criterion is considered to »* 

 be the most important consideration in wetlands de- 

 lineation and has, accordingly, been given the highest 

 rating score. 



Species Composition 



The value of the duck species produced was derived 

 from the rating used in the Flyway Habitat Management 

 Unit Project, RBU's (Refuse Benefit Units) in the 

 National Wildlife Refuge Management System, and from 

 recent emphasis given to canvasback and redheads. 

 Each species is placed in one of three groups -- high, 

 medium or low. 



Production Capability 



This criterion of the rating system estimates the 

 ability of the total delineated area to produce ducks 

 (wetlands plus associated uplands) if managed for 

 that purpose. It incorporates considerations of wet- 

 land types, juxtaposition of wetlands with uplands, 

 edge effect, "complex concept", known production his- 

 tory, soil productivity, etc. This criterion is 

 judged slightly more important than Species Composi- 

 tion. 



Acquisition Cost 



The dollar breakdown of the cost criterion was determined 

 from talking with FWS Realty Specialists in Montana. The 

 most expensive land costs approximately eight times more 

 than the least expensive. A value of $1000 per acre and 



