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Benton Lake
Wetland Management District		 A large number of waterfowl are clustered on a lake under a clear blue sky. Snow-capped mountains rise up in the distance.
922 Bootlegger Trail
Great Falls, MT   59404
E-mail: bentonlake@fws.gov
Phone Number:
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/benton_lake_wmd/		 Benton Lake Wetland Management District contains important wildlife habitat in the prairies and mountains of north-central Montana.
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  Overview
Benton Lake Wetland Management District
Benton Lake Wetland Management District (WMD) covers the largest geographical area of any District in the United States. District staff actively manage waterfowl production areas (WPA) and administer an active conservation easement program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Partners for Fish and Wildlife program is very active in the District on projects to restore wetlands and improve grazing practices on native grasslands. Stream restoration and riparian management are also priorities of the Partners program.


Getting There . . .
Since the WMD encompasses ten counties, driving directions to specific WPAs are available by contacting the Refuge staff (406-727-7400).

Get Google map and directions to this refuge/WMD from a specified address:

Your full starting address AND town and state OR zip code


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NOTE: When using this feature, you will be leaving the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service domain. We do not control the content or policies of the site you are about to visit. You should always check site policies before providing personal information or reusing content.

These driving directions are provided as a general guide only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, road conditions or route usability or expeditiousness. User assumes all risk of use.

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Wildlife and Habitat
Although the District's main mission is conservation of habitat for waterfowl, WPAs offer surprising wildlife diversity. Sandhill cranes nest, bald eagles roost, beavers thrive, and elk winter on the Blackfoot WPA. Mountain lions, grizzly bears, and perhaps even gray wolves wander through Jarina WPA, and numerous raptors nest in the rock outcrops of Kingsbury Lake WPA.

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History
The District was established in 1975 in the heart of Montana's Big Sky country.

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    Recreation and Education Opportunities
Fishing
Hunting
Photography
Wildlife Observation
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Managment Activities

Management practices include periodic burning, haying, and prescribed grazing. These practices maintain quality habitat for the benefit of waterfowl and other wildlife.

More than 7,300 acres of native prairie have been protected on WPAs in the 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.