Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID ND-2025-Kaemingk-2

Wetland Characteristics and Waterfowl Production of Alternative Agricultural Practices

Institute: North Dakota
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $12,360 Total Non-Federal Funds: $12,546

Principal Investigators: Mark Kaemingk

Project Summary: The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is home to millions of wetlands and other small waterbodies, characterizing it as one of the most important regions for breeding waterfowl in North America. These wetlands and surrounding landscapes provide crucial forage opportunities and habitat for waterfowl nesting and brood-rearing. Agricultural intensification and conventional farming of land surrounding wetlands can significantly influence habitat quality for waterfowl and other wildlife. The goal of this project is to investigate potential relationships between land use and wetland function and productivity. To assess the effects of these programs, we are sampling wetlands embedded in fields enrolled in the CCLIP and wetlands embedded in conventional agricultural fields. We are collecting water quality information, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and waterfowl pair and brood. The results will be used to assess the efficacy of programs like the CCLIP and the potential for future implementation of regenerative agriculture programs in the PPR.