Benton Lake
National Wildlife Refuge
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Benton Lake
Wetland Management District
Benton Lake Wetland Management District (WMD) lies in the heart of Montana's Big Sky Country. Here, the Big Sky tends to overshadow the prairie beneath, with distant geological features seeming to emphasize the great open spaces. Ten thousand years ago, the last glacier worked its will, carving sharp faces on the Rocky Mountains to the west and creating thousands of small wetlands or "prairie potholes" on the land to the east. These prairie jewels are part of the breeding and migration lifeline for hundreds of thousands of migratory water birds. However, the surrounding sea of grass that once sustained native people and herds of buffalo has been replaced, for the most part, with a sea of wheat.
Benton Lake WMD was established in 1975 in this setting of open space, wetlands, and scattered mountain ranges. The District covers 25,000 square miles, includes 10 counties, and is the largest wetland management district in the country. The mission of this Wetland Management District is to protect wetlands and surrounding grasslands for the benefit of waterfowl and other wildlife.
Since 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has either purchased or received as donations 22 wetland areas within the Benton Lake WMD. These acquired lands, called Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA), total more than 16,000 acres. These Waterfowl Production Areas are important waterfowl nesting and feeding areas, varying in size from 80 to 3,700 acres.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also purchases conservation easements from private landowners to permanently protect wetlands and grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses that are harmful to wildlife. This easement program may also include provisions to prevent residential subdivision and commercial development on lands that have very high wildlife values. Conservation easements ensure that these lands remain in private ownership, protecting the habitat and rural way of life for both wildlife and human occupants of the land. More than 10,000 acres of wetlands and 51,000 acres of grassland in the Wetland Management District are safeguarded by conservation easements. Funding for these preservation efforts comes mainly from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps, purchased by hunters, collectors, and the general public.
Although the Wetland Management District's main mission is conservation of habitat for waterfowl, Waterfowl Production Areas offer surprising wildlife diversity. On the Blackfoot WPA, sandhill cranes nest, bald eagles roost, beavers thrive, and elk winter. Mountain lions, grizzly bears, and perhaps gray wolves wander through Jarina WPA, and numerous raptors nest in the rock outcrops of Kingsbury Lake WPA.
More than 7,300 acres of native prairie have been protected on Waterfowl Production Areas in the Wetland Management District. An additional 3,000 acres of former cropland have been converted to native grassland or dense nesting cover, a mix of tall-growing grasses and legumes attractive to ground nesting birds. Wetlands are restored or enhanced by plugging drains or diverting water to replenish or sustain them. Management practices include periodic burning, haying, and occasionally cattle grazing. These practices maintain quality habitat for the benefit of waterfowl and other wildlife.
Prairie wetlands provide many benefits to wildlife and people. Wetlands store and slow spring runoff, reducing flooding. They also purify water by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing sediments, and processing chemical and organic wastes. Wetlands replenish ground water supplies and are an important link in the water cycle. During drought years, wetlands may provide the only water source for livestock and crops. Wetlands are a vital part of our vanishing natural heritage. More than 56 percent of the Nation's wetlands have been lost by draining or filling to make way for agriculture, transportation, and development. Protection of our remaining wetlands will ultimately benefit everyone.
Visiting Waterfowl Production Areas
Waterfowl Production Areas are your public lands. You are invited to visit
and learn what they have to offer for both your recreation and your spirit.
All WPAs are open to wildlife observation and photography, and all but Sands
and H2-0 WPAs are open to hunting, trapping, and fishing in accordance with
Montana law. To protect these areas from damage, only foot travel is
allowed, and no camping, overnight parking, or fires are permitted.
Some Waterfowl Production Areas may be closed during spring and summer to
protect nesting birds.
The map to the left shows the general locations of several Waterfowl Production Areas in the Benton Lake WMD. With a good State highway map and the directions below you should be able to readily locate these wetland areas. Boundaries of each unit are marked with green and white Waterfowl Production Area signs.
(Click
on map to view larger map)
1. Furnell WPA-- Located 1 1/2 miles west and 2 miles south of Whitlash, this Waterfowl Production Area contains 1,995 acres of native prairie and wetlands in the scenic Sweetgrass Hills.
2. Toole County WPA's-- These seven Waterfowl Production Areas are located in a north-south line about 4 miles east of Sunburst on 1-15. They range in size from 80 to 645 acres. The wetlands on these units are often dry.
3. Jarina WPA-- Travel 1/2 mile north of Dupuyer on Highway 89, turn left toward Swift Dam, and then drive 14 miles west. A spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains awaits. This Waterfowl Production Area covers 640 acres.
4. Sands WPA-- This 379-acre Waterfowl Production Area is located 1 mile south of the junction of Highways 87 and 2 near Havre. This area is closed to hunting and trapping.
5. Kingsbury Lake WPA-- To reach this 3,733-acre Waterfowl Production Area, drive 1/2 mile west of Geraldine, then 4 miles south-southwest. Look for scenic rock outcrops at the base of the Highwood Mountains. Raptors like this area.
6. Schrammeck Lake WPA-- To visit this 420-acre Waterfowl Production Area, go 8 miles east of Cascade on Highway 330, then one mile north on a gravel trail. In the spring, sandhill cranes are often present on this beautiful prairie wetland with the Big Belt Mountains in the background.
7. Blackfoot WPA-- More than 100 acres of spring-fed wetlands have been restored by Ducks Unlimited on this 1,525-acre Waterfowl Production Area located 17 miles west of Lincoln on Highway 200. The wetlands, river, and mountain forest habitats attract deer year-round and elk in winter. Sandhill cranes and bald eagles are commonly seen. A scenic overlook with interpretive signs is located here.
8. H2-0 WPA-- This Waterfowl Production Area, located 3 miles northwest of Helmville, contains 1,803 acres of native prairie and restored wetlands. Deer and elk are common here; sandhill cranes, waterfowl, and shorebirds may also be seen. This area is closed to hunting and trapping. This WPA has a staffed office on-site.
Locations of other Waterfowl Production Areas can be obtained by contacting the Refuge headquarters staff. (406) 727-7400
Kathleen Burchett, Project Leader
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
922 Bootlegger Trail
Great Falls, Montana 59404
406-727-7400
Fax: 406-727-7432