The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Mountain‑Prairie Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Mountain-Prairie Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from April 1 to May 1, 2026. Comments, questions, concerns, or a request for a hard copy can be sent to: MountainPrairieNWRS@fws.gov.
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Northeast Montana Wetland Management District is bounded on the north by the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, on the south by the Missouri River, and on the east by North Dakota. The total area of waterfowl production areas in the District is 11,791 acres. An additional 10,968 acres of grasslands and 8,588 acres of wetlands are protected under easements.
Northeast Montana Wetland Management District also includes 44 Waterfowl Production Areas. Waterfowl Production Areas are lands owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Waterfowl Production Areas are purchased with money generated from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps.
The 44 Waterfowl Production Areas in the Northeast Montana Wetland Management District range in size from the 4 acre Muddy Creek Waterfowl Production Area to the 1,660 acre Goose Lake Waterfowl Production Area. Waterfowl Production Areas role are to provide wetlands and surrounding grasslands to meet the habitat needs of waterfowl and other migratory birds. Hunting is permitted on waterfowl production areas, in accordance with State and Federal regulations.