My 2 Cents

The Habitat and Access Summit held in Bismarck in mid-December was a vital gathering for everyone passionate about North Dakota’s great outdoors.

From hunters and anglers to conservationists and landowners, the summit highlighted the importance of working together to ensure our state’s wildlife habitat and public access remain robust for future generations.

A central theme of the summit was the recognition that conservation doesn’t just happen.

It requires active involvement, strategic planning and, importantly, legislative support.

In North Dakota, many conservation programs and initiatives rely on funding and policy decisions made during the legislative session.

As we look ahead to the upcoming session, it’s critical that we make our voices heard to advocate for the resources and policies that will sustain our outdoor heritage.

Here are a few ways you can get involved to help make a difference:

Stay informed – Understanding the legislative process and the specific bills that affect conservation is the first step.

Follow updates from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the North Dakota Wildlife Federation.

Many of these groups provide summaries and alerts about key legislation.

Engage with legislators – Our elected officials need to hear from constituents who care about wildlife habitat and outdoor access.

Write emails, make phone calls, or attend town hall meetings to share your support for conservation funding and programs.

Personal stories about how these efforts impact your outdoor experiences can be particularly persuasive.

Support conservation partners – Many conservation projects are made possible through partnerships between state agencies, nonprofits and private landowners.

Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that align with your values.

These groups often play a crucial role in advocating for conservation-friendly policies.

Speak up for public access – Access to hunting and fishing opportunities is a cornerstone of North Dakota’s outdoor traditions.

Programs like Private Land Open To Sportsmen are essential for maintaining this access, and the Department asks for your support to continue to grow our PLOTS program with additional dollars going to public access programs.

The Habitat and Access Summit underscored that the challenges facing North Dakota’s outdoors are significant, but they are not insurmountable.

With a collective effort and a commitment to action, we can ensure that our prairies, wetlands and rivers continue to thrive.

Not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren.

As the legislative session gets underway, let’s carry the momentum from the summit forward.

By working together and speaking up for conservation, we can make a lasting impact on North Dakota’s outdoor legacy.