FARGO – Through funding received from the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund, Audubon Great Plains has rolled out a new phase of The North Dakota Prairie Management Toolbox.

The Prairie Management Toolbox provides cost-share assistance and technical support to landowners committed to stewarding native grasslands, while maintaining profitable operations, with a new incentive provided for hunting access. Through this program, Audubon plans to partner with landowners to impact 10,500 acres of privately owned grassland habitat.

Producers can access 60% cost-share assistance for livestock fencing and water infrastructure, and 75% cost-share assistance for removing invasive woody species, with the focus on Eastern Red Cedar, Russian Olive and Siberian Elm. Enrolled landowners agree to a 10-year non-conversion agreement and will be provided technical assistance. Audubon Great Plains working lands staff will develop habitat management plans, support contract management, provide follow-up site visits, and support fence and water system design.

As part of the Prairie Management Toolbox, landowners can voluntarily enroll acres in a new public hunting access incentive program designed to complement existing state programs. Key features include $2 per acre for each year for up to 5 years, with a minimum 2-year enrollment. Payment will be made upfront, and land will be posted open to walking hunters. This pilot initiative aims to expand responsible public access while supporting rural economies and connecting communities to North Dakota’s grasslands.

For more information about enrollment or partnership opportunities, contact Charli Kohler-Prodzinsky at charlene.kohler@audubon.org.