by Casey Stemler/USFWS
Prairie Conservation
The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is named for the millions of shallow depressions left behind by glaciers thousands of years ago. These wetlands support globally significant populations of waterfowl. In addition, the prairie grasslands in this region are of significant importance both ecologically and for grassland dependent birds. Yet, the wetlands and grasslands are significantly declining from agriculture, energy and other development. The region is now the most threatened breeding waterfowl habitat in the United States. Conservation action is urgently needed to address this crisis in the prairies. Intensification of agricultural production and renewable and nonrenewable energy development are threatening an already imperiled biome and the birds and wildlife that depend on it. This habitat loss not only impacts wildlife enjoyed by people across the North American continent but also landowners concerned about the loss of a way of life, and areas far away that depend on clean water and pollinated crops.