DU Grassland Partnership Program

Contact Paul Bultsma, Biologist and Range Specialist
             701-355-3528
             pbultsma@ducks.org

Find out about DU's new CRP program to develop grazing on expired CRP land.

Water for rangeland livestock can be a limiting factor for ranchers under drought conditions. Ducks Unlimited is offering financial assistance to North Dakota livestock owners in the Missouri Coteau region that are in need of development or improvement of water sources for rangeland livestock. Keeping ranchers and range livestock on the landscape is very important to waterfowl and many other wildlife species.

View press release on this program

Who is eligible to apply? Landowners who live in the Missouri Coteau and have livestock are eligible to apply for funding a water development on their privately owned land. Counties included in the project area are those under a current drought designation: McIntosh, Logan, Kidder, Sheridan, Wells, Burleigh, and eastern McLean.  A map depicting the Missouri Coteau boundaries within eligible counties is available below.

Program Area Maps: Burleigh Kidder Logan McIntosh McLean Sheridan Wells

Project type. Range livestock owners are encouraged to submit projects that will provide long lasting solutions to livestock water needs. These may include wells, dams, pipelines from rural water systems, spring developments, pumps, power lines, and other water developments that will make a secure and permanent water supply for livestock on rangeland. Maintenance of existing water sources, dugouts placed in wetlands and clean-out of existing dugouts will not be eligible. Projects need to service at least 160 acres of rangeland. Assistance is available for 50% of qualifying project costs not to exceed $3,500, and will be made on a reimbursement basis. Signing an agreement to maintain the project and associated grasslands for 10 years will obligate the funds to the project. The project must be completed and application made for reimbursement no later than June 30, 2007.

To Apply. Download application here, Call Ducks Unlimited at 701-355-3528 or email Paul Bultsma at pbultsma@ducks.org.  A copy of an FSA field map or similar map showing where the project is located and a cost estimate will also be important.

Read more about DU's work in the grasslands