DU Enhances Habitat on Beaver Creek WPA
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. acquired 600 acres of wetland and upland habitat in 2002. The tract of land was purchased and added to the Beaver Creek Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) and is located 15 miles east of Malta, Phillips County. The purchase allowed for the design and construction of two shallow wetlands. The north wetland will enhance 138 acres of wetland habitat and the south wetland 81 acres of wetland habitat. The project will also enhance 27 acres of wetland habitat on the original Beaver Creek WPA.
Water will be pumped from Beaver Creek into a water delivery channel to each of the wetlands. Each wetland can be managed as separate units due to the installation of a number of water control structures. The project will be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The wetlands will provide for additional breeding pair habitat in an area with an abundance of upland nesting habitat.
Funding for the project was provided by Pheasants Forever, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. The Pheasants Forever funds were provided by the Gallatin Valley Chapter. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks funding was provided by the State Duck Stamp program and the Montana Wetlands Legacy.