North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Open Fires Banned on Oahe WMA

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is prohibiting open burning this spring on property managed south of Bismarck and Mandan, as a means to reduce potential for wildfires on a heavily wooded recreation area along the Missouri River.

Bill Haase, wildlife resource management supervisor, said all open burning, including campfires, is banned until further notice on the Oahe Wildlife Management Area along both sides of the Missouri River. While the use of portable grills is allowed, extreme caution is advised due to the heavily vegetated area.

Haase said these woodlands are prone to wildfires prior to spring green-up. Mild temperatures and a high fuel load in the river bottoms are a cause for concern, he said, in addition to being a high use area for anglers, campers and other outdoor recreationists.

Oahe WMA covers more than 16,000 acres along Lake Oahe south of Bismarck-Mandan, in portions of Burleigh, Emmons and Morton counties. Burning restriction signs are posted at all entrances to the WMA.

Educator Workshops in Bottineau, Bismarck

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is sponsoring “Wildlife of North Dakota Featuring Pollinators” workshops in Bottineau and Bismarck for teachers, environmental educators and anyone else who works with youth.

The event in Bottineau will be held June 12-13 at Dakota College. A second event will be held in at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department building in Bismarck June 19-20. Workshops will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participants will utilize the North Dakota Habitats curriculum to learn about wildlife habitat., In addition, participants will receive the Urban Pollinator curriculum to explore the potential for urban pollinator gardens in a local communities. Curriculum materials are suitable for both elementary and secondary teachers and offer a hands-on approach for integrated use in classrooms and on field trips.

Workshop instructor, Sherry Niesar, has a master’s degree in wildlife science and teaches many educator workshops in the region.

Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Niesar at 701-527-3714, or [email protected]. A $10 deposit fee, which is refundable upon completion of the course, is required.

To register for graduate credit, visit the University of North Dakota’s website at und.edu. Graduate credit cost is $50.

Scholarships Available for Students

The North Dakota Game Wardens Association, Ray Goetz Memorial Fund and Kupper Chevrolet are partnering to provide college scholarships to a graduating high school senior or current post-secondary student majoring in fisheries, wildlife management or law enforcement.

Applicants must be North Dakota residents who have maintained a 3.25 grade point average. Scholarships will be awarded this fall upon proof of college enrollment.

Applications are available by contacting the North Dakota Game Warden’s Association, P.O. Box 3581, Minot, ND 58702; or by email at [email protected]. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2018.