New North Dakota program offers funding for farmers to improve soil health and wildlife habitat across 10,000 acres
Bismarck, North Dakota – In a major step toward strengthening the relationship between agriculture, conservation, and outdoor access, Governor Kelly Armstrong today announced the launch of the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program—a new, cooperative initiative designed to improve soil conditions and wildlife habitat on marginal cropland across North Dakota.
The voluntary, working lands pilot program is being introduced as a two-year effort, aiming to restore soil health with perennial grasses while helping farmers increase productivity, retain water, and provide habitat for wildlife such as deer and grassland birds. Approximately 10,000 acres of land are expected to be enrolled initially.
Armstrong was joined at the Capitol by North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, Game and Fish Director Jeb Williams, and North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts Executive Director Rhonda Kelsch. They stood alongside about 50 partners and supporters from the agriculture, conservation, and energy sectors—all critical players in shaping and funding the $6.5 million effort.
A Partnership Rooted in Conservation and Collaboration
The program is being funded through $4.3 million from the state’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, with an additional $2.2 million from partner organizations. The Game and Fish Department collaborated with the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts to secure the funding and will help implement the initiative through local soil conservation districts.
“This joint effort will help preserve and promote our rich heritage of farming and hunting for generations to come, while also showcasing the spirit of cooperation that makes North Dakota special,” Governor Armstrong said. “Healthy soils and wildlife habitat are essential to our strong economy and the unmatched quality of life that makes North Dakota the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Flexible Approach Offers Incentives and Support
Agriculture Commissioner Goehring highlighted the program’s simplicity and short turnaround, saying, “This gives us the ability to look at planting some perennial grasses in a short period – I love that flexibility about it,” he said. “There’s a lot of value in this. … It’s going to do more to change the landscape and help landowners and sportsmen out there.”
Participation in the program is voluntary, and landowners will be offered five-year agreements that include annual payments to establish and maintain perennial grasses. Importantly, producers may also qualify for a crop insurance premium reduction through the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. While access is not required, additional incentives are available for landowners who enroll in North Dakota’s PLOTS (Private Lands Open To Sportsmen) program, according to Game and Fish Director Williams.
“This program is designed to be simple, locally led and producer-friendly,” Williams said. “Our goal is to create a soil health and habitat program with strong support from all partners to build a lasting legacy of healthy soils, thriving habitats and resilient communities.”
A Lasting Legacy for Future Generations
The name “Legacy” is more than symbolic—it serves as an acronym for the program’s pillars: Land stewardship, Ecology and energy, Growth and governance, Agriculture and access, Conservation and collaboration, and Yield and your future.
The Association of Soil Conservation Districts will oversee the administration of the program and ensure local delivery through its network of partners.
“This working lands program will encompass environmental stewardship, an economic return on investment, and increased development of wildlife habitat,” said Rhonda Kelsch. “Through these tools we will continue to build upon a legacy North Dakota can be proud of.”
Enrollment for the program begins February 2. Interested landowners can contact their local soil conservation district or visit NDASCD.com for more information.
The Outdoor Heritage Fund, which was created during the 2013 legislative session, is supported by a portion of the state’s oil and gas gross production tax. The fund’s advisory board recommended the Legacy program to the North Dakota Industrial Commission, which officially approved it on December 17.
