North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks

Another chance in North Dakota

Two years ago, we reported on how the effort to respond to North Dakota’s oil and gas boom by dedicating a portion of the state extraction tax revenue to conservation had failed:

http://refugeassociation.org/?p=6429#north

Now, North Dakota voters have a second chance to vote on this proposal. Last month, North Dakota’s Secretary of State announced that an attempt to place the issue on the November ballot had qualified, with more than 41,000 voters signing the initiative petition.

The North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks measure – known as “Measure 5” on the ballot – is intended dedicate five percent of the state’s oil and gas extraction tax revenue to protect North Dakota’s clean water and lands through a voluntary grant program administered by a citizen advisory board and the Governor, Attorney General, and Agriculture Commissioner.

Potential projects would include protecting clean water in rivers, lakes, and streams; preserving critical habitat for fish and wildlife; creating and improving parks and other areas for recreation, hunting, and fishing; protecting communities and private property from flooding with natural flood controls; and providing more opportunities and places to learn about and to enjoy the outdoors.

The proposal is supported by a coalition of concerned citizens, including teachers, family farmers and members of the health community, conservation organizations, hunters, anglers, and small business owners from across the state.

Because North Dakota is at the very center of North America’s “duck factory,” and is also home to Yellow Rails, Sprague’s Pipits, Baird’s, Nelsons, and LeConte’s Sparrows, and Chestnut-collared Longspurs, this is potentially a very important ballot initiative for Kansans and other Central Flyway states.

For more on Measure 5, see here: www.cleanwaterwildlifeparks.org/

Donate to North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks by going online at http://cleanwaterwildlifeparks.ngpvanhost.com/form/6650135886928611072 or by sending your check to:

North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks

118 Broadway, Suite 716

Fargo, ND58102