Bismarck, ND – June 11, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Industrial Commission of North Dakota today approved $4.4 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants for 19 conservation and recreation projects benefiting communities across the state.
The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation areas. Legislation passed during the 2015 legislative session appropriates up to $40 million for the Outdoor Heritage Fund for the next biennium, effective July 1.
“The Outdoor Heritage Fund is an important tool in our state’s efforts to preserve our natural resources and enhance our recreational opportunities,” the Commission members said in a joint statement. “These exciting projects will have a lasting impact on our state and will play a significant role in protecting and enriching North Dakota’s legendary resources.”
The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, which oversees the Outdoor Heritage Fund, consists of Gov. Jack Dalrymple as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.
The projects totaling $4,460,906 approved today by the Industrial Commission are:
• $1,800,000, North Dakota Forest Service – Reduce the number of windbreaks destroyed by offering incentives to replace dead/deteriorating windbreaks, incorporate species diversity and select most suitable species.
• $426,148, Joint Big Coulee Dam Operation and Maintenance Committee – Repair of principal spillway structure and an upgrade to the emergency spillway on the Big Coulee Dam.
• $630,000, Emmons County Soil Conservation District – Incentives for landowners and operators to implement conservation practices which address grassland and cropland resource needs.
• $361,728, City of Devils Lake – Installation of access ramps and stairs to fishing piers; enhances existing facilities and creates new access points; adjusting of manmade landscapes to allow accessibility.
• $350,000, City of Fargo – Transformation of an 18-acre storm water detention basin into a public commons that will restore wildlife habitat as well as provide new opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• $250,000, Ransom County Soil Conservation District – Restore or retain 2,000 grassland acres (and associated wetlands.)
• $200,000, Barnes County Soil Conservation District – Promote the use of best management practices to restore the aquatic life uses and to maintain the recreational uses of the Sheyenne River and its tributaries.
• $132,884, North Dakota Natural Resources Trust – Incentives for landowners and operators to implement conservation practices which address grassland and cropland resource needs.
• $70,000, Bottineau Winter Park, Inc. – Drilling of a new well; improvement and expansion of nature trail system, signage and leveling and contouring of steeper sections; installation of dock; tree transplanting; stocking of a holding pond.
• $69,320, Woodworth Wildlife Club – Restoration of 250 yards of Barnes Lake shoreline.
• $65,000, Walsh County Three River Soil Conservation District – Restore water quality and beneficial uses of recreation and aquatic life to the Homme Dam Reservoir in Walsh County through implementation of best management practices.
• $33,750, Voices for Lake Oahe – Widening of the existing cement boat ramp to accommodate two lanes.
• $20,000, Pheasants Forever, Inc. – Increase awareness about decreasing pollinator populations, educate the general public on the importance of habitat for pollinators and establish at least 10 quality pollinator habitat areas across the state.
• $12,488, City of Tolna – Rebuild an existing boat ramp and replace existing fish cleaning station.
• $10,000, Anamoose Park Board – New playground equipment for City Park
• $10,000, Almont Historical Society – Provide safe and durable playground and fitness equipment, add more plant life to attract birds and promote birdwatching.
• $7,000, Hankinson Public School – Access to South Lake Elsie and primitive campsites at the Marcus Friskop Learning Center.
• $6,588, City of Egeland – Update 6 of the 12 camp-sites from 30 amp electricity hook-ups to 50 amp hook-ups at Egeland RV Park & Campground.
• $6,000, Gackle Park Board – Replacement of playground equipment.
“Many of these projects will improve our water quality and conserve our grasslands and habitat for future generations of North Dakotans,” said Wade Moser, chairman of the Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Board.
The next application deadline for the funding program is October 1, 2015. More information about the program, including the application process, can be found on the Outdoor Heritage Fund website at http://www.nd.gov/ndic/outdoor-infopage.htm.
For more information contact Wade Moser at 701-226-4269
E-Mail: kfine (at) nd (dot) gov
Phone: (701) 328-3722 FAX: (701) 328-2820
“Your Gateway to North Dakota”: www.nd.gov
