**GAO-07-1093**                      Published: Sep 27, 2007. Publicly Released: Sep 27, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

The 64-million-acre Prairie Pothole Region in the north-central United States provides breeding grounds for over 60 percent of key migratory bird species in the United States. During much of the 20th century, the draining of wetlands and the conversion of prairie to cropland has reduced bird habitat. Under the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program, the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) aims to sustain remaining migratory bird populations by permanently protecting high-priority habitat. Some habitat is temporarily protected under the Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program. In this context, GAO examined (1) the status of the Service's acquisition program in the region, (2) the Service's habitat protection goals for the region, and (3) challenges to achieving these goals. To answer these objectives, GAO examined Service land acquisition data and projected rates of habitat loss.

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## Topics

Natural Resources and Environment

Agricultural programsConservationCost analysisEasementsEnvironmental protectionLand managementMigratory birdsProgram evaluationProgram managementReal estate purchasesReal property acquisitionStrategic planningWaterfowlWetlandsWildlifeWildlife conservationProgram goals or objectives