The Northwest Montana Wetland Management District (WMD) consists of waterfowl production areas (WPA) ranging in size from 28 to 2,370 acres. It is located in the Flathead and Mission valleys. The area consists of intermountain grasslands thickly dotted with wetlands. These wetland depressions were created during the 100,000-year Wisconsin glaciation, which carved stream valleys and formed the moraine and glacial outwash sections of the valley floor. The WPAs are open to a number of public uses including wildlife observation, wildlife photography, hunting, and fishing. Smith Lake WPA is listed as a watchable wildlife site in the Montana Wildlife Viewing Guide and is considered an excellent site to view waterfowl and shorebirds.