Governor rejects DU land purchase

Governor rejects DU land purchase

For a third time in as many attempts, Ducks Unlimited has been denied a bid to purchase land in North Dakota.

In a letter dated June 9 from Gov. John Hoeven, DU was told the state "... generally prohibits corporate ownership of farm and ranch land in North Dakota.

"I do not find sufficient reason to depart from that general prohibition in this case ... "

The land in question is a 320-acre tract in McLean County near Mercer, owned by a California man.

In May, the Natural Areas Acquisition Committee, a group that makes recommendations to the governor, on a 4-2 vote, recommended against the sale.

In February, the governor followed the committee's recommendation against a land sale to DU in Kidder County.

Two years ago, a land purchase of two parcels consisting of about 2,500 acres in Sheridan County was rejected.

Jim Ringelman, director of conservation programs in DU's Bismarck office, said Wednesday the law that dictates the approval process is discriminatory and hampers DU's ability to do business in North Dakota.

"We understand the governor's situation. He must render a decision based on a highly discriminatory process and an unjust law," Ringelman said.

"It's unfortunate. There are many landowners in North Dakota who want to sell to DU, but the approval process invariably leads to rejection and denies them the opportunity."

He said following the latest decision, DU is considering what, if any, action it will take as a group to initiate changes in the state's anti-corporation farming laws.

Ringelman said a big part of the the issue is the make-up of the advisory committee, which, to a large degree, consists of interests tied to the ag industry. "We can't continue to do the same thing and expect different results," he said.

The McLean County purchase was unanimously opposed by the county commission and the township board.

The McLean County Commission and the advisory committee also voiced concern regarding the potential of permanent or long-term easements, but Ringelman said none were proposed in the purchase agreement.

Don Canton, a spokesman for the governor, said throughout the process there was no testimony or support locally in favor of the deal.

In addition, he said the land is already prime habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife production while in private ownership.

Ringelman said as part of its conservation programs in the Missouri Coteau, DU purchases key properties with high waterfowl habitat value.

Grasslands owned by DU are kept in livestock production by renting to local ranchers.

The lands are open to public hunting and recreation and DU pays all property taxes and manages the property well for weeds and other problems, he said.

"We feel very much that this is a private property issue," he said.

"Three parties are negatively impacted by this law: private landowners, nonprofit organizations, and the sportsmen and women of our state and nation," Ringelman said.

(Reach reporter Brian Gehring at 250-8254 or brian.gehring@;bismarcktribune.com.)