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Governor Kelly Armstrong has unveiled a new $6.5 million pilot program designed to turn “marginally profitable” cropland into thriving wildlife habitat while putting money back into the pockets of North Dakota farmers, according to Jacob Orledge of the North Dakota Monitor.
The Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program will pay landowners to convert less productive acres into perennial grass. The program aims to help producers that are struggling with low commodity prices and high input costs. The initiative offers base annual payments aligned with their county’s rental rates, plus incentives like reduced crop insurance premiums and increased public hunting access.
Applications open this Monday, February 2nd, and run through March 27th. Applicants can contact their local soil conservation district at NDASCD.com. Governor Armstrong, an avid outdoorsman, says the program is beneficial for soil health, habitats, and the state’s hunting heritage, which cannot continue if habitats aren’t prioritized.
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