The designation of the Missouri River below Fort Benton as 

 a Wild and Scenic River would appear to preclude this area from 

 maior forms of development that would adversely impact the Canada 

 qoose population. Since the geese are hatched by the Memorial 

 Day weekend when recreational use of the river usually begins, 

 human disturbance is not likely to be a problem. 



Eastern Segment 



Numerous ducks and Canada geese are present on the study area 

 each spring, as they seek out nesting sites along the Missouri 

 River, Judith River and on the many stock reservoirs found m the 

 study area. Significant numbers of ducks and geese are raised 

 each summer on the study area. Total freeze-up usually occurs 

 by early December and at that time all the remaining waterfowl, 

 except for a few ducks, migrate south for the winter. Migration 

 of nonresident waterfowl through the study area is light, as the 

 study area is not located on a major flyway. 



An aerial survey of the Canada goose breeding population was 

 made on the lower 12 air miles of the Judith River on April 27, 

 1979 and on the Missouri River between Robinson Bridge and the 

 PN Ferry on April 25, 1979. Five pairs, 11 singles and a group 

 of 5 were observed on the Judith River (Table 42) . This total 

 was down from the past 2 years. Fifty-seven pairs and 2 3 singles 

 were observed on the Missouri River flight, and this total was 

 significantly up from past years. Twenty-eight nests were also 

 observed during the Missouri River flight (Figure 28) . A float 

 trip was made down the Missouri River in May to gather data on 

 Canada goose nests. These data are summarized in the Western 

 Segments writeup. 



Table 42. Canada goose breeding population surveys, lower 

 12 air miles of Judith River. 



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