Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, commented on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to open a public comment period as it moves forward with plans to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule. The rule affects access to the Little Missouri National Grassland in North Dakota.

The USDA announced its intention to repeal the rule in June. Hoeven has been working with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and other officials to ensure that North Dakotans, including ranchers and energy producers, have improved access to federally managed lands. Earlier in August, Hoeven hosted the U.S. Forest Service Chief in North Dakota so local ranchers and stakeholders could share their views on land access issues.

“This is an important step by USDA to roll back the restrictive roadless rule, and we encourage North Dakotans to weigh in on the importance of ensuring access to the grasslands for grazing, energy production and other uses during the public comment period. Rescinding the roadless rule will help put decision-making back into the hands of locals who know best how to manage these lands, and we appreciate Secretary Rollins and USDA’s work to prioritize local control over our federal lands,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, we continue working to ensure section line rights-of-way are respected in the Little Missouri National Grasslands, as well.”

Hoeven continues his efforts with USDA on several grassland management issues. These include addressing disputes between North Dakota and the U.S. Forest Service regarding section lines in the Little Missouri National Grasslands—a matter he has emphasized is vital for ranchers needing access for cattle grazing on USFS lands—and coordinating with local ranchers and rural fire departments about wildfire management.