Montana Wetland Strategy

Priceless Resources
A Strategic Framework for Wetland and Riparian Area Conservation and Restoration in Montana 2008 - 2012
Priceless Resources

Strategic Working Groups
Vulnerable Wetlands and Public Policy
Public Education and Professional Training
Mapping, Assessment, and Monitoring
Wetland Restoration
Assisting Local Governments
Montana Wetland Links
Montana Wetlands Legacy
Montana Wetland and Riparian Mapping Center
Montana Department of Transportation Wetland Mitigation Reports

Montana Wetland Publications

Montana Wetland Photo Gallery (Coming Soon)

















Montana Wetland Council  |  Montana Wetland News

Wetland Conservation

Montana has lost approximately 27 percent of naturally occurring wetlands since settlement. Wetlands are valuable for providing flood and erosion control, enhancing water quality and providing wildlife and fish habitat. The Federal Clean Water Act requires mitigation for some wetland filling and dredging, however, wetlands continue to be impacted and lost as roads are expanded, land is developed and due to cumulative impacts from numerous activities such as draining, changes in land management and landowner preference for open water ponds.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Technical & Financial Assistance Bureau is responsible for coordinating and providing leadership to wetland conservation activities state-wide. One activity is to staff and provide leadership to the Montana Wetland Council. The Council meets quarterly and acts a forum for all stakeholders to participate in wetland issues. With DEQ leadership, the Council developed a draft Conservation Strategy for Montana’s Wetland and Situation Assessment, which guides the Council in pursuing wetland conservation activities. Wetland conservation priorities are funded by an Environmental Protection Agency grant program administered by the DEQ Wetland Coordinator. Currently, there are 20 active grant projects involving state and local governments.

These projects range from an Evaluation of Wetland Impacts in the State of Montana, to Developing Education and Information about Montana Wetlands, to a Local Partnership composed of local government, wetland ecologist and community volunteers to inventory wetlands for restoration and management needs. Wetland grant projects are solicited each fall and for approved projects, funding is available the following spring.

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