Valley City Wetland Management District (Valley City WMD ) helps conserve wildlife habitat on more than 89,000 acres that benefit migratory birds, wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities for people. The Prairie Pothole Region is named for its many small wetlands that resemble potholes; these wetlands are critical for ducks, geese, and swans, as well as other wildlife.

Prairie and wetland in fall with oak tree on horizon
What's In Wetland & Grassland Easements?

Are you interested in knowing what is in wetland or grassland easements? Click Here to find out!

Visit Us

The Valley City Wetland Management District is located in east-central North Dakota and includes Cass, Traill, Barnes, Griggs, and Steele Counties. The District includes 82 waterfowl production areas (WPAs) totaling 18,031 acres. Throughout North Dakota these WPAs are open to hunting, fishing, and trapping. Visitors to WPAs may also discover opportunities for wildlife observation, nature photography, and environmental education.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Valley City Wetland Management District is dedicated to the conservation and management of both wetland and grassland habitats essential to migratory birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Service-owned waterfowl production areas. Waterfowl production areas are open to the public. In addition, the District includes more than 51,000 acres of wetland and grassland habitats protected through various private land easement programs. 

      What We Do

      U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees use a variety of tools and tactics to manage for healthy wetland and grassland habitats on Service-owned lands. The habitat management tools include prescribed burning, mowing, grazing, and leaving the land idle for a period of time. Staff also work with private landowners who have easements on their lands to ensure the wetland and grassland easements remain intact and provide habitat for the species that migrate through and reside in the area.

      Are you interested in what land is in our wetland and grassland easement program? CLICK HERE to see our map of what is under easement.

      Services
      Dozens of waterfowl flying over a grassy wetland
      Wetland Easements

      In the United States, the Prairie Pothole Region is located within the northern Great Plains in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Characterized by thousands of shallow wetlands known as potholes, the Prairie Pothole Region provides habitat for globally...

      Service
      Consultation and Technical Assistance
      Financial Assistance
      Land Management and Conservation Assistance
      A beautiful green grassland with white flowers in bloom under a partly cloudy sky
      Grassland Easements

      In the United States, the Prairie Pothole Region is located within the northern Great Plains in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Characterized by thousands of shallow, glacially formed wetlands known as potholes, the Prairie Pothole Region provides habitat for...

      Service
      Consultation and Technical Assistance
      Financial Assistance

      Our Species

      Famous for their role in conserving waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's wetland management districts are an ecological treasure for waterfowl, other migratory birds, and resident wildlife.