Rock Creek Wetland Restoration

The Natural Resources Conservation Service dedicated the first Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) easement in eastern Montana on Earth Day, April 22.

The Rock Creek wetland restoration project involves a permanent WRP easement and the restoration of 3,475 acres of grasslands in northeastern Montana, near Hinsdale in Valley County. This part of the state is known for the regional importance of glaciated prairie potholes to migratory birds.

The landowners’ goal is to achieve the greatest value of wildlife habitat possible by improving the resources that exist in the area now. The WRP easement encompasses approximately 500 acres of wetlands and 2,985 acres of uplands, which offer an excellent opportunity to develop essential wildlife habitat.

The WRP project will involve the restoration and enhancement of the degraded wetlands and grasslands to more closely resemble the historical condition once found on the site. Project objectives include the following items.

1. Restoration of a 30-acre glaciated pothole located on the northern portion of the property.
2. Development of a 470-acre wetland complex.
3. Restoration of the native grasslands.
4. Establishment of dense nesting cover areas for avian species.
5. Restoration of sagebrush habitat.
6. Subsequent wildlife habitat management of these acres.

The uplands are composed of 1,000 acres of meadows that have been used for crop production and approximately 1,987 acres of degraded rangeland. By establishing native grass and sagebrush communities across all of the existing upland acres, the area will provide resting, foraging, and nesting opportunities for migratory birds, shorebirds, and other upland species such as sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and pheasants.

The preliminary wetland restoration plan outlines the development of six wetland areas that will provide a variety of wetland types. The wetland complex will have semi-permanent, seasonal, and temporary wetlands that will be managed to maintain ideal habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. A glaciated pothole will also be restored on the northern portion of the easement. The wetland restoration will ensure that migratory birds such as northern pintails and mallards can nest and raise broods on the site.

Once the restoration and enhancement practices are complete, the site will provide the types of habitat needed by several species of waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, game birds, and other neotropical migratory birds that utilize the area.

This project was made possible because of the dedication and enthusiasm of many people, especially the landowners, Rock Creek Lands Partnership LLC. The Natural Resources Conservation Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; Ducks Unlimited; and Land and Water Consulting, Inc. have contributed technical expertise, time, and funds to ensure the success of the Rock Creek WRP wetland restoration project.

Bill Puckett, NRCS deputy chief for soil survey and resource assessment, was present for the dedication. A wetland area typical of the prairie pothole region is visible in the the background.

Last Modified: 04/25/2005