The North Dakota Game and Fish Department honored several Emmons County area landowners in April for their cooperation in providing boating and fishing access to Rice Lake and construction of a carp barrier to keep the undesirable species from getting into the popular Emmons County fishery.

While this annual certificate of appreciation is typically given to an entity, park board or club, this year it was given to these individuals because their support demonstrates how local cooperation can positively influence area fishing lakes and recreation areas, said Bob Frohlich, Game and Fish Department fisheries development supervisor.

The cooperating landowners in the Rice Lake access project include Mark and Jean Hollaar; Todd Nieuwsma; Allen Nieuwsma; Gordon and Debra Van Boven; and Kenneth Nieuwsma. Cooperating in the carp barrier project were Dale Nieuwsma and Duane Nieuwsma.

“These efforts exemplify the long-standing cooperation with North Dakota landowners, providing valuable fishing opportunities for the public for years to come,” Frohlich said.