08/03/2026
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened a 14-day public comment period regarding regulations associated with federally protected wetland easements in the Prairie Pothole Region.
These voluntary easements permanently protect wetlands from being drained, filled, leveled, or burned while generally allowing landowners to continue normal agricultural activities when wetlands are naturally dry. The current drain-tile setback regulations also provide landowners with science-based guidance and safe-harbor protections when approved drainage plans are followed.
Because North Dakota lies at the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region, changes to these regulations could have important implications for wetlands, migratory birds, other wildlife, landowners, and the public’s long-term investment in habitat conservation.
NDCTWS members are encouraged to review the Request for Information and consider submitting individual comments. Public comments may address the ecological importance of Prairie Pothole wetlands, the effectiveness of the current regulations, landowner considerations, scientific evidence, or other relevant professional and personal perspectives.
Review the information and submit comments by 8/7/2026 here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/24/2026-14995/national-wildlife-refuge-system-request-for-information-on-implementation-of-drain-tile-setbacks
