Dalrymple to Propose Bold Plans for State Parks, Conservation

Press Release

Gov. Jack Dalrymple today announced a bold plan for major improvements to North Dakota state parks and for statewide conservation enhancements. The governor's plan calls for investing $30.4 million in new funds to expand and improve state park amenities and increase public access to North Dakota's great outdoors. Dalrymple also proposes increasing the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund to $50 million, bringing the state's total commitment to new conservation and outdoor recreation projects to $80.4 million during the 2015-2017 biennium.

"Our state parks have become increasingly popular and they need more visitor capacity and improved amenities," Dalrymple said. "These major investments in capital improvements will greatly increase the number of campsites, cabins and the overall capacity of our state park system."

While working to develop the state's current budget for conservation, Dalrymple proposed the creation of the Outdoor Heritage Fund at a level of $30 million to support statewide conservation advancements.

"Now, thanks to the outstanding work of the fund's advisory committee, I believe we should increase the funding to $50 million for the upcoming biennium and adjust the formula to ensure it reaches its maximum funding level."

Dalrymple said his proposal for conservation and outdoor recreation is fiscally sound and sustainable.

"This $80.4 million funding package for park improvements and conservation throughout North Dakota is a self-contained package for capital improvements that will not add significantly to the state's ongoing budget obligations," Dalrymple said. "Because of the state's strong financial position, we can make these significant investments and continue to meet ongoing commitments to high-quality education, low taxes, statewide infrastructure upgrades and the many other demands on our growing state."

Dalrymple's proposal for park improvements includes constructing about 180 new campsites throughout the state's park system; building additional full-service cabins and basic camper cabins; and constructing a family retreat lodge at Lake Sakakawea State Park. The lodge will include a central meeting room and two-to-six adjoining bedrooms. To be operated by a private contractor, the facility will serve as a retreat for families and small groups. Other statewide park projects include enhancements to recreational trail systems, as well as upgrades to many other park amenities and roadways. The plan also includes a conditional proposal to transform about 200 acres of state-owned land along the Missouri River in south Bismarck into a day park featuring a water way and public access to the Missouri River. The property, part of the state correction's system, is located south of the Missouri River Correctional Center.

The governor's announcement today is the result of several years of work by the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation to develop master plans for system-wide park enhancements. The proposal for state parks also takes into account feedback from North Dakota residents who, during statewide 2020 & Beyond meetings, voiced support for more outdoor recreational opportunities.

More than one million people visited North Dakota's 13 state parks last year. North Dakota also has more than 200,000 acres of state wildlife management areas that are open to public hunting and other outdoor recreation. In addition, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department contracts with private landowners to make more than 700,000 acres available to public access for hunting, through the Private Land Open to Sportsmen program. The state also has more than 400 fishing waters -- the most ever -- for quality fishing opportunities. North Dakota is also home to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, four national grasslands and 63 national wildlife refuges, more than any other state.

Below is more information about North Dakota's celebrated parks and plans for system-wide improvements.

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