Bismarck, N.D. – The ND Industrial Commission today approved $2,952,782 in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for 8 conservation and recreation projects benefiting North Dakotans 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.   

     “These projects live up to the name of the Outdoor Heritage Fund by not only enhancing conservation practices across our state, but also by providing North Dakotans with great opportunities to interact with and learn about our great outdoors,” said Commission members in a joint statement. “We appreciate the work of the applicants in developing these projects and working to improve the quality of life for all North Dakotans.”

     The projects approved include:

  • $425,000 – Valley City Parks and Recreation: Outdoor Recreation Bridge
  • $34,310 – Assumption Abbey: Livestock Water and Grazing Distribution and Wildlife Haven
  • $301,825 – Audubon Dakota:  Monarch Core Area Prairie Management Toolbox
  • $142,058 – Audubon Dakota:  Urban Pollinator Plots Project
  • $200,000 – City of Tioga:  Tioga Dam Trail
  • $900,000 – North Dakota Forest Service:  North Dakota Statewide Windbreak Renovation Initiative 3.0
  • $740,000 – ND Natural Resources Trust: Working Grasslands Partnership 6
  • $209,589 – South Heart Golf Course Building Authority:  Reuse of Recycled Water to Reestablish Healthy Soil Conditions and Regenerate Green Space

     The Industrial Commission, which oversees the Outdoor Heritage Fund, consists of Gov. Doug Burgum as Chairman, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.

      The next submission deadline for grant applications from state agencies, tribal governments, political subdivisions, and non-profit organizations is May 1, 2023. 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