BISMARCK — The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has allocated $1 million in special funding to support landowners and operators in rebuilding essential conservation practices lost to the devastating wildfires across parts of North Dakota in October.

Approved conservation practices include conservation cover, windbreak/shelterbelt establishment, fending, pasture and hay planting, range planting, and watering facilities.

“NRCS North Dakota is committed to helping producers rebuild and restore the land affected by these severe wildfires,” Dan Hovland, state conservationist, said. “This special funding will allow us to deliver immediate support to impacted communities and aid in the recovery of critical conservation practices.”

Through an expedited approval process called ACT NOW, applications can be pre-approved and funded quickly, with eligible projects advancing in the order received. To qualify for the one-time funding opportunity, applicants must submit a separate application and meet all eligibility requirements prior to advancing in the NRCS Protracts system. Field offices will conduct verification of fire-impacted fields, and eligible applications will be promptly ranked for funding consideration.

All applications must meet eligibility standards before they are ranked. The submission deadline for reviewed applications is Jan. 31, 2025, and ranking will continue through that date.

Landowners, ranchers and producers in the affected areas are encouraged to contact their local NRCS Field Office.