The Prairie Pothole Region covers approximately 300 thousand square miles in south-central Canada and the north-central United States. Areas included are portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, also north-eastern Montana, most of North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, western Minnesota and north-central Iowa. Prior to settlement, this area was a paradise for waterfowl, prairie chickens, whooping cranes, bison, wolves and other prairie wildlife. Agricultural changes to the landscape included the loss of most native prairie and the drainage of over 50 percent of the small wetlands. The area remains a critical waterfowl production and migration area.
The Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET) provides biological support to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wetland Management Districts and National Wildlife Refuges in the Prairie Pothole portion of Minnesota and Iowa. They also lend their support and partner with several conservation agencies and organizations.
HAPET is co-located with the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District and the Fergus Falls Wetland Acquisition office. The complex is situated 2 miles east of Fergus Falls, Minnesota on State Highway 210.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Phone: (218) 739-2291
Fax: (218) 739-9534
E-Mail: Rex_Johnson@fws.gov
