BISMARCK, N.D. – The Dakota Legacy Initiative (DLI) has received additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services to continue supporting conservation agencies and producers throughout North Dakota.
First founded in 2021, the initiative has received an additional three years of funding to help expand upon efforts launched during the first phase.
“In the first phase of the initiative, we focused on establishing a comprehensive platform that compiled cost-share programs, technical assistance programs, and education resources into one convenient location for producers, landowners, and other interested parties,” Sarah Tunge, DLI Coordinator and Mercer County Soil Conservation District Manager said. “This additional funding will give us the necessary support to expand education opportunities and support beyond standard conservation practices.”
The second phase focuses on three primary goals: increasing private and public partnerships to ensure a truly comprehensive resource for North Dakota producers and landowners; expanding partnerships and educational efforts to include Indigenous conservation and sustainable agriculture practices; and creating new urban conservation resources, including e-learning courses, downloadable resources, and live webinars.
“In North Dakota, rural areas often come to mind when we think of natural resource conservation,” Tunge said in regards to the “why” behind the importance of urban conservation. “The reality is, urban land is increasing and rural land is decreasing. This makes it vital for us to broaden our approach to conservation and ensure we make the effort to conserve resources on urban land.”
For a full list of partners or to sign up for email notifications regarding future educational opportunities, visit DakotaLegacyInitiative.com.
