quote:
According to a new report, wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region declined by an estimated 74,340 acres between 1997 and 2009 – an average annual net loss of 6,200 acres.

“Extreme weather patterns, rising agricultural commodity prices and oil and gas development are threatening millions of acres of prairie wetlands, putting further pressure on the most valuable breeding area for ducks in the Americas,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “This report highlights the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and protecting the Prairie Pothole Region to ensure it remains healthy for waterfowl for generations to come.”

The U.S. portion of the Prairie Pothole Region includes parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. Approximately 118 million acres of land, 21 million acres of grass cover and 2.63 million wetland basins support more than 300 species of migrating and resident birds.

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Posted by Tigris

Mexican Home

Member since Jul 2005

12364 posts

Posted on 7/3/14 at 8:12 am to wickowick

Works out to 2.8% of the 2.63 million acres of wetlands. Not insignificant since it's ongoing.

Oil development is having a big impact on North Dakota and Montana pothole regions. I support it but it needs to be done with a minimal impact and from what I saw it is. When the boom is over the land will revert back. Farming and housing probably have a larger impact than the oil boom. In Minot I stayed at an absolutely brand new Hampton Inn on Prairie Dog road which was also brand new. There was a squished prairie dog on the road. Pretty good metaphor.

Very pretty place in its own way. This is Lostwood Wildlife refuge, at night you can see the natural gas flares all around from the new wells.

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Posted by wickowick

Head of Island

Member since Dec 2006

45815 posts

Posted on 7/3/14 at 8:14 am to Tigris

Those coonass oilfield workers are probably having an impact on bird numbers....

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Posted by mack the knife