History

North Dakota plays a pivotal role in the survival of waterfowl populations. The abundance and diversity of wetlands makes it the leading duck producer in the lower 48 states. It is also a key migration area, providing food and rest for those species heading south for the winter and those heading to breeding grounds farther north each spring. Within North Dakota, an area of prime importance is the Missouri Coteau, a wide band of hills and wetlands running northwest to southeast through the center of the State, and is the most productive waterfowl breeding habitat remaining in the lower 48 states.

A combination of changing land use, low nesting success, and prolonged drought on the Canadian and U.S. prairies reduced waterfowl numbers severely in the early to mid 1980’s. Even with better water conditions, biologists feared that waterfowl populations would not be able to recover. To reverse these trends, the U.S. and Canada in 1986 signed the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), an unprecedented continental plan to help restore waterfowl populations to levels of the 1970’s.

The Chase Lake Prairie Project (CLPP) was initiated in May of 1989 and is a national flagship project of the NAWMP. It is not only an effort to help meet the goals of the NAWMP and PPJV, it is a systematic application of the latest waterfowl management techniques over some of the best remaining waterfowl habitat in North America. The project will not only benefit waterfowl, but many other species of resident and migratory wildlife. Just as important, it will demonstrate that sound land and water conservation practices can benefit our natural resources and help sustain people and our way of life.

The overall philosophy of the CLPP is that wildlife and landowners cannot only co-exist, but flourish. Thirty-eight action items were developed that will enhance wildlife populations on public and private land, provide landowners with technical advice and financial incentives for soil and water conservation and management, and provide increased public awareness and recreation opportunities. Actions carried out on the land will be made possible by partnerships between wildlife and agricultural agencies, landowners, conservation groups and organizations, and private business.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service