Nesting Pelicans On Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing to drawdown Pond 3 within Canyon Ferry to reduce the large Asian carp population and improve the aquatic habitat for waterfowl.
This pond is the main area where American White Pelicans nest on islands within Canyon Ferry-the reservoir being one of only four areas that pelicans nest in the state of Montana. Because of limited nesting areas, these birds are considered a Species of Concern.

 
Although this project may have a one-year impact on nesting waterbirds, we believe Montana Audubon should support the project – although there are short-term impacts; there will be a long-term improvement in habitat. It should be noted that Pond 4 within Canyon Ferry was drained several years ago to reduce the carp population, and the project produced much better habitat for waterbirds. To learn more about the pelicans, click here.

If you’d like to read and/or comment on the Environmental Assessment on the Canyon Ferry project, click here. Comments are due August 7, 2017.