In the process of completing a draft seven species were used to help focus conservation action.  Species chosen were the Mallard, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Lesser Scaup, Canvasback, and Tundra Swan. All species except the Tundra Swan are listed as “Species of Greatest Concern” in State Wildlife Action Plans. 

Breeding abundance and distribution maps for Mallard, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and American Black Ducks were created from interpolated Spring Aerial Waterfowl Survey data in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota and Breeding Bird Survey data in all Region 3 states. 

An adjustment was made to the interpolated relative abundance values in areas without Spring Aerial Survey data based on areas of overlap between both surveys to estimate breeding abundance.  Relative abundance and distribution during migration were mapped at the county level for Mallard, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Canvasback from harvest survey data.

In addition, land cover data from the 1992 National Land Cover Dataset and the National Wetlands Inventory was used to map and predict available habitat for each species.  Results of this mapping should help both state and regional land managers make decisions on targeting and prioritizing areas that would be valuable to protect and restore for waterfowl.

The Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture mission is to deliver the full spectrum of bird conservation through regionally-based, biologically-driven, and landscape-oriented partnerships.