Hero Element
- The Prairie Pothole Region: An 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 has made it the most threatened breeding waterfowl habitat in the U.S.
- 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.
- Scientific Foundations: Since its inception, the PPJV has used the best available science to guide habitat conservation programs and adapt to challenges.
- Collaborative Conservation: Joint Ventures work for one simple reason: partners know they can achieve more through collaboration than they can alone.
Prairie Pothole Joint Venture
Where We Work
We Love Ducks!
Conserving grassland birds and their habitats
Partner Spotlight
Our Amazing Grasslands
Erickson Family, Langford, SD
“I am proud and confident that I left them something that is worth working with: the livestock herd, the grass management, the infrastructures we put in place. I feel good about retiring and leaving it for the next person to come along.” Mark Erickson
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Recent News
Why Ducks Need Prairie Wetlands That Dry Periodically
Periodic dry phases help recharge prairie wetlands and create productive habitat for ducks and other wildlife. Photo: Rick Bohn / USFWS Key takeaway: Duck productivity
Training the Next Generation of Conservationists
Steve Spawn demonstrates wetland restoration techniques with Madison Wetland Management District employees during a day in the field. South Dakota Partners for Fish and Wildlife

Collaborating in Grassland Education
The South Dakota Grasslands Initiative (SDGI) is a communication and collaboration hub launched by the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition and its partners to bring together

Catalyzing Grassland Restoration
The North Dakota Conservation Forage Program (CFP) has become a practical model for how collaborative conservation can restore working lands across the Northern Great Plains.

$25 Million Investment into Montana’s Grasslands
Pheasants Forever launched the Montana Grassland Initiative (MGI) in July of 2023 to strategically address threats to Montana’s grasslands and ensure the Montana upland experience

Conservation Partnerships
Across the Prairie Pothole Region, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) works with partners, agencies and landowners to restore prairies, wetlands and working lands that support wildlife