To coordinate resource planning activities and conduct technical reviews on development related projects of other state and federal agencies and the private sector to minimize fish and wildlife…

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 awarded $600,000 in formula grant funding to the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611). The award supports the department's coordination of resource planning activities and technical reviews of development-related projects conducted by state and federal agencies and the private sector to minimize fish and wildlife habitat losses and maintain or improve habitat availability for fish and wildlife resources on public and private lands throughout North Dakota.

The funded activities leverage the department's existing infrastructure managing 224-233 Wildlife Management Areas encompassing approximately 184,000-187,000 acres, administering sport fishing programs across over 400 public waters, and operating the Private Land Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS) program. Through this award, the department coordinates environmental review processes for development projects with potential fish and wildlife impacts, collaborating with federal and state agencies, sub-recipients including universities and conservation organizations, and private landowners to implement strategic habitat protection and resource management initiatives aligned with both state and federal wildlife conservation objectives.

To coordinate resource planning activities and conduct technical reviews on development related projects of other state and federal agencies and the private sector to minimize fish and wildlife habitat losses. This will enhance the departments goal to maintain or improve the amount of habitat available for fish and wildlife resources on public and private lands in north dakota.