1987-1995

In June of 1988, the “Concept Plan for Waterfowl Habitat Protection- US Portion of Prairie Potholes and Parklands was released. The goals, objectives, and strategies for protection of prime waterfowl breeding habitat were discussed in this 15 year plan.  In addition to waterfowl, the Concept Plan noted that “the wetland and upland habitats of the Region provide breeding areas for numerous marsh, wading, and shorebirds; gulls and terns; raptors; song birds; and other avian species” and suggested that “further protection of prairie potholes and their associated uplands will provide breeding habitat for many avian species, in addition to the ducks for which the areas are primarily managed.”

In August 1988,  the purpose of the PPJV was defined by partners as: “to involve the public in a broad scale unified effort to increase waterfowl populations by preserving, restoring, and enhancing wildlife habitat in the PPR of the US”. 

In April of 1989, the first PPJV Implementation Plan was completed.  The Plan noted that “the strategies outlined in this plan provide general guidance for future management actions that will benefit at least 10 key duck species as well as migratory nongame birds that breed in the Region; contribute towards countless hours of consumptive and nonconsumptive wildlife related activities; and contribute millions of dollars to regional, national, and international economies”.   Priority Actions included planning and evaluation, managing and enhancing public and private lands, communication and education, land acquisition, fund raising and affecting legislation and regulation.  

The objective for the Implementation Plan was:  “Maintain an average breeding population in years of average environmental conditions of 6.8 million ducks (1.2 million mallards and 1.1 million pintails) and 13.6 million ducks in the fall flight by the year 2000.”   FWS Regional Directors were requested by the PPJV Steering Committee to continue to develop and implement a computerized modeling technique (Mallard Model) for planning beginning in 1990.  State and project plans would use the Mallard Model as a tool to develop and evaluate habitat protection and enhancement strategies.

In1989, at the request of the PPJV Steering Committee, Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET) offices were established in Bismarck, ND and Fergus Falls, MN to assist in the coordination and guidance of waterfowl management activities in the PPJV. 

In 1990, the PPJV Steering Committee changed its name to the PPJV Management Board to provide more uniformity with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.        

From 1987 -1993,  flagship projects were established in each State, accomplishments in the protection, restoration and enhancement of habitat were being measured and numerous evaluation activities (from meeting waterfowl production goals, to intensive habitat management techniques, to non-waterfowl surveys on shorebirds) were being completed.  The PPJV recognized the importance of the Conservation Reserve Program, and issued a resolution calling for all Joint Ventures and the NAWMP US Implementation Board to secure support for CRP.