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Walsh County commissioners back resolution supporting nonprofit's proposed wetland acquisition east of Waffley
Summary
The commission voted to approve a resolution supporting an American Foundation for Wildlife (AFW) proposal to acquire about 542 acres east of Waffley for wildlife management; the parcel is enrolled in a 30‑year Wetland Reserve Easement and would ultimately be managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department if acquired.
The Walsh County Commission voted May 20 to adopt a resolution of support for a proposed land acquisition by the American Foundation for Wildlife (AFW) that would preserve roughly 542 acres of primarily wetland habitat east of Waffley.
Terry Aldean, representing AFW and the Natural Resources Trust process, presented details about the proposal and the procedural steps required under North Dakota Century Code section 10-06 (nonprofit acquisitions). He said the proposed acquisition consists of three contiguous parcels totaling about 542 acres, enrolled in a 30-year Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) with roughly 20 years remaining on the easement term.
Carmel Haas, identified as assistant wildlife-division chief with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, described the property as high-quality wetland habitat with minimal cropping potential. She said the department and partners review potential acquisitions carefully because the state has limited acquisition budget; the property had been proposed by the landowning family who seek to preserve it for wildlife and public access.
Presenters said the property is primarily grass and wetlands, may allow limited grazing or haying consistent with WRE rules, and that the Game and Fish Department would manage the site from its Devils Lake office if acquired. The presenters said neighbors within a 1-mile radius and local townships will be notified during the state advisory process; the proposal must be reviewed by an advisory group that includes county representation and the governor will make the final acceptance decision.
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution of support. Commissioners were told the state legislature has approved the project in its biennial list and the department will seek the governor's approval; program partners will host an advisory committee meeting in Walsh County within 45 days.
No purchase price was disclosed. Presenters said two independent appraisals were completed and that the AFW holds a one-year option signed in December to allow partners to assemble funding and secure approvals. If acquired, presenters said the property would remain open to public hunting under wildlife-management-area rules and the managing agency would pay county property tax on property it owns.
Commissioners accepted the resolution and asked staff to provide a copy for the advisory committee packet.
