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Game and Fish seeks additional authority and funds to expand private-lands habitat and access programs
Summary
Agency requested additional appropriation authority to expand private land habitat programs and walk-in access, including $2 million for plots, $2 million for range-land legacy and $1 million for habitat development, funded largely with federal matches.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department asked the Appropriations - Government Operations Division for additional appropriation authority to expand private-lands habitat and access work, a major program focus in the department’s budget presentation.
Administrative Services Division Chief Brian Hossick told lawmakers the department wants to increase private-land habitat acreage and remain competitive with landowner payments. The department described a multi-part request: $2 million for additional plots, $2 million for expanding a range-land legacy program (described as mid-term agreements), and $1 million for habitat development — most of which the department said would be heavily supported by federal funds (examples cited included 75% and 90% federal participation on some projects).
Hossick identified the department’s goal to increase enrolled acreage from about 830,000 acres to 1,000,000 acres and said payment levels vary by land and market conditions. He said the private-lands initiative is funded from interest earned on Game and Fish funds, habitat-stamp proceeds and federal matching dollars.
Representatives asked for more detail on payment-per-acre and mapping of where plots are needed. The department said payment rates vary and offered to provide geographic maps showing historic CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) trends and where access and plot acres have declined.
The department said the private-lands line is not solely for food plots; it also funds walk-in areas, grass and shrub plantings, water-control structures and small land acquisitions around WMAs. The executive recommended budget contains the requested additional authority in optional decision packages; final authorization rests with the Legislature.
