Confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers

COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

Wetlands Reserve Program Success in North Dakota

Location: Northeastern/Mid-Atlantic

Project Summary: Conservation organizations and landowners partnered to acquire 1,465 acres bordering the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, located in McKenzie County, northwestern North Dakota.

ND Game & Fish Department

Resource Challenge

Owners Ed and Princess Ann Ochs, Tom and Susan Ochs, and Tim Neu wanted their property protected in perpetuity. This was a historical and cultural site where Lewis and Clark had visited. Additionally, the area is inhabited by a large number of wildlife species and several unique plants.

Examples of Key Partners

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, American Foundation for Wildlife, North Dakota Conservation Fund, US Fish & Wildlife, North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, North Dakota Game & Fish Department, Northern Great Plains Joint Venture, United Sportsmen of North Dakota, Friends of Fort Union/Fort Buford, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., North Dakota Game Warden Association, Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, North Dakota Wild Turkey Federation, North American Wetlands Conservation Council

Results and Accomplishments

The tracts of land, known as Neu's Point and Och's Point, are gifted to the State of North Dakota, and will be forever available for public benefit and use. The partnership effort will perpetually protect the viewshed of the Confluence Interpretive Center so that it remains unspoiled and undeveloped, much the way Lewis and Clark viewed the meeting of the two great rivers in 1805. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), offered a 30-year easement on the property. The WRP will be cost-sharing the restoration of depressional wetlands, seeding croplands to native grasses, sealing abandoned wells, and removing abandoned buildings, foundations, and equipment on the property.

Innovation/Highlight

Achieving a common goal of conserving land of historical and environmental significance through a diverse coalition of public and private entities.

Project Contact

Jennifer Heglund
ASTC(Programs)
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
PO Box 1458 Bismarck, ND 58502-1458
Bismarck, ND 58502-1458
701-530-2095
jennifer.heglund@nd.usda.gov

Website: http://www.ndnrt.com/pdf/WRP_projects.pdf

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