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  • 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

Established in 1987 as one of the original six Joint Ventures, the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture (PPJV) protects, restores, and enhances high priority wetland and grassland habitat to help sustain populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and prairie landbirds.

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.

We Love Ducks!

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.

Conserving grassland birds and their habitats

The PPJV also hosts 45-90% of the continental breeding populations of grassland birds, which are experiencing steep population declines. Loss of 200,000 acres of native grasslands in the last 30 years has made grassland birds one of the most imperiled guilds in North America.

Partner Spotlight

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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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About the PPJV

Our mission is to implement conservation programs that sustain populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, other waterbirds, and prairie landbirds at objective levels through targeted wetland and grassland conservation, restoration, and enhancement programs.

Contact Us

Prairie Pothole Joint Venture
922 Bootlegger Trail
Great Falls MT

406-594-6943

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© 2021 Prairie Pothole Joint Venture