Apply for the Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative in Montana’s Prairie Pothole Region
This initiative supports habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species in the Prairie Pothole Region. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by June 1, 2023.
BOZEMAN, Mont., May 4, 2023 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is accepting applications for the Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative. This initiative supports habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species in the Prairie Pothole Region. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by June 1, 2023.
“NRCS provides funding and technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners implement conservation practices that provide environmental benefits to help sustain their operations as well as the wildlife dependent on intermingled habitat,” said Kyle Tackett, Acting NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “Conservation work focused on local outcomes with the support of local partners and land managers achieves meaningful conservation across a landscape.”
The Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative is focused on unmanipulated wetlands of two acres or less within working cropland as identified on the National Wetland Inventory. The Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative is aimed at preserving, protecting, and improving habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other avian species in the Prairie Pothole Regions of Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Daniels, Dawson, Glacier, Hill, Liberty, McCone, Phillips, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Teton, Toole, and Valley counties. Prairie pothole wetlands provide critical food and habitat for these species. NRCS will work with applicants to determine which wetlands are eligible based on the National Wetlands Inventory. Once the wetlands are deemed eligible, producers will then decide which of the three available levels of management is appropriate for their operation.
• Management Level 1: Implement conservation cover and permanent vegetation on wetlands that are wholly or partially in cropland.
• Management Level 2: Cease cropping, maintain wetland hydrology that provides adequate forage and cover in areas where normal cropland production restricts that growth.
• Management Level 3: Crops and annual vegetation will not be harvested during the primary nesting season.
To apply, and for more information on EQIP, please contact your local NRCS Field Office. You can also visit the Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative- Montana page.