Prior to 2001, thousands of miles of prairie streams in Montana had never been surveyed for fish. These streams were thought to be fishless but recent State Wildlife Grant funded surveys have shown otherwise.

Survey crews have found 48 different fish species (30 of them native) living in the "fishless" prairie streams, as well as five different amphibian species and ten different reptile species. Few suspected the streams would be so biologically rich. Now, we know that when compared to western Montana's cold- water streams, which have just a few different fish species, the state's prairie streams are hugely diverse.

With more knowledge we can make better, more cost-effective decisions to conserve wildlife and the places they live for future generations.

Learn more about Montana State Wildlife Grant Success Stories.