Pictured left to right: Bethany Ihle, DPG Supervisor, Jesse Beckers and Eric Rosenquist with NDNRT, and Misty Hays, Acting District Ranger, McKenzie Ranger District.
 

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands recently recognized the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust (NDNRT) with the 2024 Outstanding Rangeland Management Partner (ORMP) award for their efforts in actively engaging in conservation work on the grasslands.

The ORMP is awarded to external partners who have collaborated closely with field units to achieve positive and sustainable rangeland management outcomes.

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands recognized three NDNRT staff as active and instrumental partners, including Jesse Beckers, Eric Rosenquist, and Rick Warhurst.

Beckers coordinated with the Bakken Working Land Group to support the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund-led grasslands infrastructure projects, including juniper reduction and grassland restoration. The series of grasslands projects is estimated to cost $2 million.

Rosenquist rallied partners to assist private landowners within the grassland boundary in completing juniper management work, which reduced the direct project costs. Additionally, he collaborated with The Dakota Prairie Grasslands to develop and implement a pollinator habitat identification method that is currently employed throughout the grasslands.

Warhurst proactively raised over $100,000 in matched funding to repair and restore a Ducks Unlimited-constructed dam.

NDNRT continues to work with the Dakota Prairie Grasslands on Dakota Skipper and other active conservation programs.