Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released a statement following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to open a public comment period regarding the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule. The rule affects access to the Little Missouri National Grassland.

In June, USDA announced plans to repeal the rule. Hoeven has worked with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and other officials to improve access for North Dakotans, including ranchers and energy producers, to federally managed lands. Earlier in August, Hoeven hosted the U.S. Forest Service Chief in North Dakota so local ranchers and stakeholders could share their perspectives on land access.

“This is an important step by USDA to roll back the restrictive roadless rule, and we encourage North Dakotans to weigh in on the importance of ensuring access to the grasslands for grazing, energy production and other uses during the public comment period. Rescinding the roadless rule will help put decision-making back into the hands of locals who know best how to manage these lands, and we appreciate Secretary Rollins and USDA’s work to prioritize local control over our federal lands,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, we continue working to ensure section line rights-of-way are respected in the Little Missouri National Grasslands, as well.”

Hoeven continues his efforts with USDA on several management issues related to grasslands. He is working toward resolving disagreements between North Dakota and the U.S. Forest Service regarding section lines within Little Missouri National Grasslands. According to Hoeven, maintaining section line rights-of-way is essential for ranchers’ ability to reach cattle grazing areas on USFS property.

He is also coordinating with local ranchers and rural fire departments concerning wildfire management strategies.