WATFORD CITY – Landowners, industry professionals, researchers and policymakers are invited to the 2026 North Dakota Reclamation Conference to engage in conversations about the reclamation of disturbed lands. The event will be held March 3-4 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City.

The event is hosted by North Dakota State University Extension, the Society for Range Management, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, BNI Coal and BKS Environmental.

The 2026 conference will focus on the intersections of reclamation and agriculture, with breakout sessions showcasing applied science and case studies to enhance reclamation. Breakout sessions will cover soil health in reclamation, as well as delineation and management techniques. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect outside of sessions during a social event.

The event will feature a keynote address by Anna Clare Monlezun, a rancher and rangeland scientist from Colorado. Drawing on her professional experience, Monlezun will share insights on integrating energy production into agricultural lands.

“Everyone is invited to come, from industrial leaders to farmers and ranchers,” said Howdy Lawlar, McKenzie County commissioner and rancher. “It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about how reclamation should be taken care of on your land and how things should be done the right way.”

Conference details and registration are available from the NDSU Extension Service. Registrations by Feb. 14 are eligible for a discount, and student registration is free.