The North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts announced on May 8 the completion of the first enrollment cycle for the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program. The initiative was launched following a $6.5 million Outdoor Heritage Fund grant awarded in December, with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department as a co-applicant.
The program aims to support grassland restoration, soil health, and wildlife habitat across North Dakota by offering five-year agreements to producers. These agreements include annual rental payments, cost-sharing for grass establishment, and a $10 per acre crop insurance credit for converting unproductive cropland into grassland habitat. Additional incentives are available for those who enroll their land in the department’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen program.
The development of this program involved input from both agricultural and conservation partners to ensure it addresses multiple needs within the state. The Game and Fish Department collaborates on landowner programs like Private Land Open To Sportsmen to enhance habitat protection and public access, according to the official website.
In addition to its involvement in this new initiative, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department operates statewide managing wildlife populations, habitats, licenses, permits for hunting, fishing and boating as well as educational programs designed to foster conservation awareness among residents according to information provided by the official website.
The launch of this program is part of ongoing efforts by state agencies to balance agricultural production with natural resource conservation priorities.
