North Dakota Natural Resources Trust
The North Dakota Natural Resources Trust was created as part of the Garrison Diversion Reformulation Act of 1986. Its mission and funding were further modified by the Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000. The Trust is governed by a six-person board, with three board members appointed by the governor and three appointed by conservation groups including the National Wildlife Federation, the National Audubon Society, and the North Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The Trust is organized as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit under the laws of the state of North Dakota.
The mission of the Trust is to preserve, enhance, restore, and manage wetlands and associated wildlife habitat, grasslands, and riparian areas in the state of North Dakota.

From its inception, the Trust has played a role as facilitator between agricultural and conservation interests. In addition to facilitating and funding sound, on-the-ground conservation of natural resources, its goal is to identify common issues, create dialogue, and resolve conflicts.

Along with its agricultural and conservation partners, the Trust advocates for recognition, appropriate development, and protection of North Dakota's unique natural resource values. It promotes productive use of private agricultural lands and private property rights that result in long-term enhancement and protection of private lands. It promotes effective use of North Dakota's public lands both for agriculture and recreation. It encourages good land use planning along urban river corridors and promotes enhancement and protection of the state's significant water resources. The Trust helps shape the landscape through its programs and does its best to help shape both public attitude and public policy to support natural resource protection.

The Trust's activities encompass statewide concerns for protection of wetlands, grasslands, and riparian habitat. It works from the Red River Valley in the east to the badlands in the west. While limits on staff and fiscal resources necessitate prioritization and careful project selection, its interests and concerns are statewide.

For more information about North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, visit the website or contact Lisa Roeder at 701-223-8501.