North Dakota Unveils New Soil Health and Habitat Program

Governor Armstrong launches voluntary working lands initiative to boost cropland productivity and wildlife habitat

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:55pm

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North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has announced the launch of the Governor's Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program, a new voluntary working lands initiative aimed at strengthening cropland productivity and resilience while improving soil health, water retention, and creating much-needed wildlife habitat across the state.

Why it matters

The program represents a collaborative effort between the state's Game and Fish Department and the Association of Soil Conservation Districts to address the need for more grassland cover and habitat for deer, pheasants, and other wildlife, while also benefiting farmers through enhanced soil health and cropland productivity.

The details

The two-year, $6.5 million pilot project will be funded by $4.3 million from the state's Outdoor Heritage Fund, along with $2.2 million in matching contributions from partners. The goal is to encourage North Dakota farmers to incorporate perennial grass cover on their croplands, which will help strengthen soil health, water retention, and create vital wildlife habitat.

  • The Governor's Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program was unveiled on January 30, 2026.

The players

Governor Kelly Armstrong

The Governor of North Dakota who announced the launch of the new soil health and habitat program.

Jeb Williams

The Director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, which partnered with the Association of Soil Conservation Districts on the pilot project.

Association of Soil Conservation Districts

A partner organization that collaborated with the Game and Fish Department on the $6.5 million pilot program to improve soil health and create wildlife habitat on North Dakota farmlands.

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What they’re saying

“We have to figure out how we create habitat in an environment that is beneficial to people who love to shoot pheasants, grouse, partridge, deer, geese, whatever it is.”

— Governor Kelly Armstrong

“The additional grassland will provide much-needed cover for deer and grassland birds.”

— Jeb Williams, Game and Fish Director

What’s next

The two-year pilot program will begin implementation in the spring of 2026, with the goal of expanding the initiative statewide if successful.

The takeaway

This new soil health and habitat program represents a collaborative effort to support North Dakota's agricultural community while also enhancing wildlife populations and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.