Waterfowl migrating through Montana’s Bitterroot Valley will have a few more wetlands to visit beginning this year thanks to the efforts of Ducks Unlimited and a host of wetland partners. The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, a long-time cornerstone of migratory bird conservation in the Bitterroot, was the focus of the project which restored 65 acres of wetland habitat in three basins. The project involved several conservation partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, the Teller Refuge and several local groups. A key factor in making the project possible was a donation from the V.C. Hollingsworth estate, which served as a catalyst to obtain addition grant dollars to fund the project.

“The Lee Metcalf Wetland Project is a great example of partnerships in action,” said Bob Sanders, DU’s manger of conservation programs in Montana. “We had ten partners involved in this effort and they really pulled together to make this happen. Restoring quality habitat in the Bitterroot Valley will be great for the ducks and is a real testament to what grassroots efforts and perseverance can accomplish.”

Erin Holmes, project leader for the USFWS at Lee Metcalf Refuge, underscores the importance of providing shallow wetland habitat on the refuge. “Providing shallow, seasonally flooded habitat is critical for many wetland species," Holmes said. "We are excited to have these wetland basins restored and look forward to increased bird use on this part of the refuge.”

The project site will be accessible for wildlife viewing from Waterfowl Lane, approximately one mile southwest of the Refuge Headquarters. Waterfowl hunting will also be permitted in accordance with refuge regulations. A site dedication is planned for September 2009. For more information contact Bob Sanders at 406-492-2002.