North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple has decided to deny Ducks Unlimited’s purchase of 47 acres of land in Foster County.
The land is a drained wetland. DU would have restored the wetland – as a replacement wetland for lands impacted by development. The Natural Areas Acquisition Advisory Committee voted 4 to 2 to deny the sale – and Dalrymple followed that recommendation.
"Not only are we disappointed that they didn't see the value of this, we also believe that this is a basic premise of private property rights of a willing seller and a willing buyer," said Steve Adair, the director of DU’s Great Plains region. "The government doesn't need to interfere in that, unless there is some public health or welfare concern. Obviously, in this situation, there were great puiblic benefits in doing this project."
Adair says Ducks Unlimited will be working with the landowner about another option to achieve similar results.
"He could retain ownership of the land, and do an easement that would provide the protection and longevity of the restored wetland," said Adair. "And we -- Ducks Unlimited -- could do the wetland engineering work on the property and purchase an easement from him."
Adair says Dalrymple has indicated a willingness to work with both parties on this proposal.