Recognizing the success of small wetlands

We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service know that our work is greater than the sum of its parts. And we also know that small is not only beautiful, it can be powerful too. Take the Small Wetlands Acquistion Program, touted as one of the most successful conservation programs in our agency's history, and the recent accolades that the Fergus Falls Wetlands Acquisition Office in Minnesota received.

The Otter Tail County Pheasants Forever Chapter announced on April 15, 2023, that the acquisition team, who support Otter Tail County and lands throughout the state, is the 2023 winner of the Long Tail Award. The long-term conservation efforts of the acquisition team exemplify habitat conservation that benefits wildlife and people. The Longtail Award recognizes individuals or partners who have been key in promoting or carrying out chapter mission.

The waterfowl production areas acquired by the Fergus Falls-based team on behalf of the Midwest Region Realty Program become part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and are managed by our agency as public lands for folks from all walks of life to enjoy. The primary source of funding used by the Fergus Falls Wetlands Acquisition Office to acquire new conservation lands in Minnesota is the Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. These lands offer extensive wetland and grassland habitat conservation benefits, as well as opportunities for public recreation including hunting and bird watching. Since 2018, the Fergus Falls Wetlands Acquisition Office has acquired more than 32,000 acres of wildlife habitat including nearly 10,000 acres of waterfowl production areas.

The first waterfowl production areas were created by an amendment to the Federal Duck Stamp Act, which created the Small Wetlands Acquistion Program. Scientists realized that these copious small pockets of habitat were vital to breeding waterfowl. This amendment gave the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permission to purchase small wetlands and uplands for breeding waterfowl and for hunting to create waterfowl production areas. The acquired wetlands and waterfowl production areas formed the core of the wetland management districts which were first established in the early 1960s.

Please join us in congratulating the Fergus Falls Wetlands Acquisition Office as the 2023 Longtail Award recipients!