Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
The public has been advised to pay attention to a new emergency fire closure order affecting National Forest System lands. This order is in response to heightened fire risk within the Little Missouri National Grasslands and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring emphasized the importance of following this order: “Anyone utilizing National Forest System Lands within Billings, Golden Valley, McKenzie, and Slope Counties should take note of this recent order to protect lands, resources and facilities during this period of severe fire danger.” Commissioner Goehring noted that despite some recent precipitation, the area remains dry, warranting caution.
The order specifies that certain activities are restricted until May 15, unless the order is revoked. Prohibited activities include building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, as well as smoking and the use of wheeled motor vehicles on non-surfaced National Forest System roads. There are specific exemptions to these restrictions. The detailed order can be accessed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/dpg/alerts-notices/?aid=93819.
For additional information, individuals can contact the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City at 842-8500, the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson at 227-7800, or the Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor’s Office in Bismarck at 989-7300.
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