Prairie Pothole Region & Birds
The PPR is the most important region for breeding waterfowl populations in North America, as well as many shorebirds, waterbirds, and grassland songbirds.
Prairie Pothole Landscape
Continued loss of wetlands and grasslands in the Prairie Pothole Region has made it the most threatened breeding waterfowl habitat in the U.S.
Photo: Stony Prairie by Justin Meissen
Conservation Benefits People
Wetland and grassland conservation provides vital wildlife habitat, reduces nutrient loads in watersheds, and stores carbon to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Healthy grassland-wetland systems are also vital to a sustainable livestock industry for food production.
Photo: Charlie Dickie for the SD Grassland Coalition and USDA-NRCS
Collaborative Conservation
Joint Ventures work for one simple reason: partners know they can achieve more through collaboration than they can alone.
Photo: Neal Mishler
Scientific Foundations
Since its inception, the PPJV has used the best available science to guide habitat conservation programs and adapt to challenges.
Photo: Kevin Barnes

Where We Work

 

The PPJV covers one-third of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), including portions of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Just 20% of the grassland in the PPR is protected, which equates to only 6% of the historic extent of grassland area.

Welcome to the Duck Factory

The value of the U.S. PPR to breeding waterfowl is unsurpassed, with over 5 million duck pairs (10 million ducks!), representing over 18 species, supported by its wetland and grassland habitat. Waterfowl produced in this region have been harvested in 49 states as well as Central and South America.

Conservation through Partnerships

The Prairie Pothole Joint Venture stands out as one of the most robust, science-based Joint Ventures in the country. It is only through strong collaboration with partners and landowners that these accomplishments are possible.

Photo: Mitch Kezar for the SD Grassland Coalition and USDA-NRCS

Grassland Bird Habitat Conservation

The PPJV hosts 45-90% of the continental breeding populations for several grassland bird species that are experiencing some of the steepest population declines. The loss of over 70 million acres of grasslands in the PPJV has made grassland birds one of the most imperiled guilds in North America.

Our Amazing Grasslands

“The Prairie Pothole Region serves as a crucial area for breeding waterfowl and shorebirds. Small, shallow wetlands surrounded by grasslands and muddy flats provide an ideal environment for reproduction. The migration, staggered over weeks, includes a great variety of waterfowl and shorebirds, including Canada geese, killdeer, mallards, northern pintails, and snow geese. Conservation efforts aim to ensure the continued well-being of populations of waterfowl and other birds throughout the entire ecosystem.”

- Edmunds County SD

Keep In Touch

Keep up with the latest news on bird and habitat conservation efforts across the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture!