The Future of Prairie Pothole Duck Habitat Is on the Line

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is accepting public comments on its 2024 Drain Tile Setback Rule Final Rule, which protects federally conserved wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region that are critical to many duck species, including many northern pintail and other ducks that winter in California. These wetlands are the heart of North America's duck production and are often referred to as the "Duck Factory." 

The current rule uses science-based setback standards to ensure that drain tile systems installed near USFWS easements do not drain protected wetlands. It also provides landowners with individualized setback plans and legal certainty when they follow those plans.

California Waterfowl and like-minded organizations sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, urging USFWS to uphold its commitment to protecting these publicly funded, voluntary conservation easements.

Why Duck Hunters Should Care

The Prairie Pothole Region produces more than half of North America's breeding migratory waterfowl. Many of the shallow wetlands most important to nesting ducks are less than one foot deep and are especially vulnerable to drainage. If these wetlands disappear, duck production declines, and future hunting opportunities suffer.

Today, many parts of the region have already lost between 50 and 90 percent of their historic prairie pothole wetlands. Weakening protections around the wetlands that remain could accelerate those losses and further reduce critical waterfowl habitat.

Hunters Paid for This Conservation

For generations, duck hunters have invested in conserving these habitats through Duck Stamp purchases and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. Since 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act has generated more than $31 billion for wildlife conservation, habitat management, and hunter education. Duck Stamp sales have generated more than $1.3 billion for habitat protection since 1934.

These voluntary conservation easements represent a long-term investment by hunters and the American public. Allowing drainage that compromises protected wetlands would undermine decades of conservation work funded by sportsmen and women.

What's at Stake

Some interests are urging the Service to replace the current science-based approach with less protective setback standards. According to the USFWS, applying those standards could facilitate drainage of wetlands protected under refuge easements and permanently degrade important breeding habitat.

Simply put: Drain the Duck Factory, lose the ducks.

Take Action

Duck hunters and conservation-minded sportsmen should submit comments supporting the existing science-based drain tile setback rule. Ask the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to:

• Maintain strong protections for National Wildlife Refuge System wetland easements.
• Continue using individualized, science-based setback calculations.
• Reject changes that would increase wetland drainage and reduce duck habitat.
• Protect the conservation investments made by generations of hunters and Duck Stamp buyers.

Now is the time for hunters' voices to be heard. If we want healthy duck populations, strong migrations, and quality hunting opportunities for future generations, we must defend the wetlands that make them possible. 

Please note that the comment period ends Friday, August 7th.  CLICK HERE to comment through the Federal Register.