BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A program that provides funds for conservation projects in North Dakota may be doling out $4.6 million to government agencies, nonprofits and other groups for everything from native prairie restoration to gardens and trails.The three-member, all-Republican North Dakota Industrial Commission will consider the 13 proposals on Tuesday. Gov. Doug Burgum is chairman of the commission, which regulates North Dakota’s oil and gas industry. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring are its other members.The North Dakota Outdoor Heritage fund, which the Legislature established in 2013, may receive up to $20 million annually from oil and gas taxes. The goal is to restore land affected by energy production and to develop such things as fish and wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation areas.A 12-member advisory board selected the projects from an initial pool of 21 applications totaling $7.2 million. The advisory board consists of agriculture, energy, conservation, business and recreation officials.

North Dakota Natural Resources Trust Inc., a Bismarck-based nonprofit, and the Dunn County Soil Conservation District submitted the largest grant request, at $2.1 million. The groups propose to use the money for such things as grass and crop seeding, water enhancements and other projects in western North Dakota.

The second-biggest request is from Audubon Dakota, which wants more than $943,000 to fund native prairie restoration, invasive species control and other projects in Stutsman County, in east-central North Dakota.

Other proposals include seeding more than 700 acres in Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo with native grasses and wildflowers and a $33,000 project in Jamestown that includes a “sensory” garden.

Industrial Commission Executive Director Karlene Fine said 117 projects have been financed at more than $32 million since the Legislature created the fund five years ago.

At the October 19, 2018 Jamestown Tourism meeting the Audubon Society represented by Marshall Johnson from Fargo, and Dr. Robert Bates of Jamestown, and the Audubon Dakota, chapter, requested funds for the Audubon Society, Edward M. Brigham III Alkali Lake project of the construction of the new Brigham Ranch Event Barn, at Alkali Lake, South of Spiritwood Lake.

Ranch, event barn, known as a birding “hot spot.”  The Brigham Ranch pole barn was destroyed in a 2016 storm.

Johnson said there are about 30,000 Audubon Society members within a three hour drive of Jamestown.

The application states, the funding request is for $25,000 for construction sponsorship of the second floor ballroom loft to host large events for conservation and agriculture focused, workshops, tours, and other events such as weddings, or holiday parties.

$10,000 toward the project has come from other sources.  In kind labor and supplies have been provided, equivalent to $4,266, and the Audubon Society will be providing a $25,000 in-kind match to the new construction.

The application noted that other funds for the project come from the Jamestown Community Foundation in the amount of $5,000 and a $5,000 donation for Dr. Robert and Kathi Bates of Jamestown. $5,000 will be used for the dormer on the building.
Audubon Dakota has contributed $75,000 toward the project. Members have contributed in-kind labor.

Ultimately, Audubon Dakota will provide $25,000 of in-kind to the construction.

The board voted unanimously to fund the full requested amount of $25,000.