When North Dakota ratified its constitution in 1889, it included a provision for a forestry school. However, it took time to establish the school. In 1894, state residents voted to locate the North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau. Progress was slow, and by 1906, no school had yet been built. The residents of Bottineau took matters into their own hands, raising $8,000—worth over $250,000 today—and donating 15 acres of land. The North Dakota School of Forestry opened in January 1907 with 30 students.
On this date in 1914, the Bottineau Courant proudly reported that the school’s enrollment had grown to 86 students. President Smith was actively working to educate farmers about the benefits of planting trees. He met with farmers in Westhope and supported the formation of a farmers’ club. In Russell, he spoke to over 200 people about the advantages of windbreaks and shelterbelts.
It might seem surprising that North Dakota would have a forestry school, since the state is better known for its open plains than its forests. However, North Dakota has over 800,000 acres of forest. Farmers also learned that planting trees could benefit agriculture. Windbreaks save energy, reduce heating costs, and provide shelter for livestock. Trees planted along streams and lakes help filter farm runoff and protect water quality.
Forests and agriculture are often seen as conflicting, and combining the two might seem like a new idea. In fact, this practice has a name: agroforestry. Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees or shrubs with crop and animal production, resulting in a more diverse agricultural operation, increased profits, and resource conservation. While the idea may seem novel, North Dakota farmers have embraced it for years.
Dakota Datebook by Dr. Carole Butcher
Sources:
- Bottineau Courant. “State Forestry School.” Bottineau ND. 12/21/1914. Page 1.
- State Historical Society of North Dakota. “State Forester.” https://www.history.nd.gov/archives/stateagencies/stateforester.html Accessed 12/17/2024.
- Dakota College at Bottineau. “Dakota College Celebrates 115 Years.” https://www.dakotacollege.edu/about/news/dakota-college-celebrates-115-years Accessed 12/17/2024.
- North Dakota State University. “North Dakota Forest Service.” https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ndfs/about-north-dakota-forestry Accessed 12/17/2024.
- USDA. “Forests of North Dakota.” https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/pubs/ru/ru_fs325.pdf#:~:text=North%20Dakota%20has%20an%20estimated%20816%2C871%20acres%20of,with%20water%20removed%20from%20total%20area%20is%202%25. Accessed 12/17/2024.
- USDA. “Agriculture and Forestry.” https://www.farmers.gov/blog/agriculture-and-forestry-5-ways-agroforestry-can-work-you-and-your-land Accessed 12/17/2024.
