Future Projects

Blackfoot Valley Trumpeter Swan Project

Location:	Blackfoot Valley - Lewis & Clark County
Partners:	Bouma Post Yard Numerous Private Landowners Blackfoot Challenge The Trumpeter Swan Society Northwestern Energy Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Montana Waterfowl Foundation Wyoming Wetland Society Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Project Background:	An entry in the journals of the Lewis & Clark expedition dated July 6, 1806, refers to swans observed on Werner's Creek, which is today near Blackfoot-Clearwater Junction in the Blackfoot Valley. Being early July, these were likely trumpeter swans. As was the case throughout their range in the lower 48 states, breeding trumpeters likely disappeared during white settlement of western Montana, including in the Blackfoot Valley. But that all changed in the spring of 2003 when a pair of trumpeters decided to nest on a wetland near Lincoln at the eastern end of the Blackfoot Valley. Although the female of the pair died in a collision with a power line, the landowners recovered the eggs from the nest which were then transported to the Montana Waterfowl Foundation near Ronan. At the Foundation, the eggs were hatched and reared by surrogate swan parents there. Three cygnets survived to ten weeks of age and were released into their natal marsh with their father in September. In late October, the father swan led the young swans out of the Blackfoot Valley heading south. They were last seen together near Jackson, Wyoming.
Project Future:	The Montana Wetlands Legacy, the Blackfoot Challenge and its conservation partners, including ranchers and other residents of the Blackfoot Valley, see the 2003 trumpeter nesting in the valley as a wonderful opportunity. This family of swans heralds the return of a wildlife species that once lived here long before anyone now living can remember. While they work to conserve open space, wetlands, and wildlife habitat in the valley, the Blackfoot Challenge is anticipating what's next for trumpeters in the valley. More young trumpeters released with the current family might help this new flock take hold. The Montana Wetlands Legacy, like its sister organization the Wyoming Wetland Society, recognizes trumpeter swans as an icon for wetland conservation. Wherever they occur, breeding trumpeters are an indicator of high quality wetlands, abundant plant life, wild places, and land owners and managers who care about the future of wetlands and the wildlife they support. The Blackfoot Challenge, in partnership with the Montana Wetlands Legacy, is well on their way to ensuring, that the wildness of the Blackfoot Valley always remains. To learn more about how you can support the Trumpeter Swan Project go to http://www.wetlandslegacy.org/help.htm , or contact The Blackfoot Challenge at http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/pfw/montana/mt6.htm