Northwest Montana Wetland Management District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northwest Montana Wetland Management District |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Northwest Montana Wetland Management District
Location in the United States
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| Location | Montana, USA |
| Nearest city | Kalispell, MT |
| Area | 14,752 acres (59.70 km2) |
| Established | 1970 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Northwest Montana Wetland Management District |
The Northwest Montana Wetland Management District is a special place in Montana, USA. It's part of a bigger group of wildlife refuges called the National Bison Range Complex. This district helps protect important wetland areas for many amazing animals.
How It Started
This special district began in 1970. The land was bought piece by piece from people who wanted to sell it. The goal was, and still is, to keep adding more land to protect even more wildlife.
What Makes This Place Special
The district is made up of many small wetland areas. Wetlands are like soggy lands, perfect for certain plants and animals. These areas are mainly set aside to protect waterfowl, which are birds that live near water, like ducks and geese.
The district has 14 separate areas called Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). These cover about 8,452 acres. There's also a huge 6,300-acre conservation easement along the north shore of Flathead Lake. An easement means the land is protected, even if it's still privately owned.
Some of this land is on the Flathead Indian Reservation. This land belongs to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. They work together with the district to help take care of these important natural places. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the entire Northwest Montana Wetland Management District. This agency is part of the United States Department of the Interior.
Amazing Animals You Can Find Here
Over 200 different kinds of birds have been seen in the district! Some common ones include the Canada goose, peregrine falcon, green-winged teal, meadowlark, and different kinds of ducks. You might also spot owls, ring-necked pheasants, and great blue herons.
It's not just birds! Many small mammals also call this district home. Look out for the porcupine, muskrat, mink, beaver, and skunk.
Many parts of the district are close to the city of Kalispell, Montana, often within 12 miles.
