North Dakota
North Dakota launches new Office of Outdoor Recreation
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – North Dakota now has an Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Gov. Doug Burgum, alongside state agency officials and partner organizations, made the announcement on May 9. They say it will grow the state’s outdoor recreation economy by strengthening partnerships with the private sector.
North Dakota joins 21 other states in establishing a dedicated Office of Outdoor Recreation. The new office, created by executive order, is being launched using existing resources and personnel.
“This new office will allow us to better coordinate with stakeholders and state agencies as they develop plans, strategies and initiatives to maximize the impact of outdoor recreation in North Dakota,” Burgum said. “We are incredibly excited to connect even more deeply with our partners in the private sector who drive economic development and job creation in our state. From the sales and service of boats, RVs and ATVs, to hunting and fishing gear, bicycles and skis, outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of our state’s economic well-being.”
Among the speakers at Thursday’s announcement were representatives from the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department – which will serve as the administrative home for the office – the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Department of Commerce, Garrison Convention and Visitors Bureau, Woodland Resort, Action Motor Sports, and Save the Maah Daah Hey.
Officials say outdoor activities are contributing over $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. According to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, North Dakota sees a $1.3 billion economic boost annually from outdoor recreation, and the Office of Outdoor Recreation is poised to further develop this sector within the state.
“I know I speak for my partners at Game and Fish and Commerce when I say we are thrilled at the opportunity to strategically connect with all outdoor recreation stakeholders in the private sector and state, federal and local governments,” said Cody Schulz, director of North Dakota Parks and Recreation. “The physical and mental health impacts of outdoor recreation are well known, and this office will help to drive the economic health of the state as well. This is about going from really good to great.”
The Office of Outdoor Recreation will promote economic growth, workforce recruitment and retention, enhance quality of life and preserve the state’s unique outdoor heritage. The combined efforts will unlock doors for critical investment, propelling further growth and innovation within the state’s outdoor recreation industry.
“Our members across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy are celebrating Governor Burgum’s leadership today in establishing the 22nd Office of Outdoor Recreation across the United States,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “This office will be a catalyst for supporting North Dakota’s $1.3 billion outdoor recreation economy that creates nearly 14,000 jobs for North Dakotans. Outdoor recreation builds thriving economies, helps attract new workers and businesses, generates benefits for physical and mental health, and connects people to treasured natural places. North Dakota’s outdoor recreation businesses, organizations, and communities of all sizes will benefit greatly from the Governor’s deep commitment to the outdoors and we can’t wait to support their future work.”
In addition to significant investments in state and local park infrastructure, the 2023 North Dakota Legislature approved $25 million for Destination Development matching grants. Thirteen projects were funded, with all but one involving outdoor recreation.
As part of the Office of Outdoor Recreation launch, North Dakota Parks and Recreation announced three significant initiatives:
- $1.2 million was awarded to four applicants across the state for construction and rehabilitation of trails through the Recreation Trails Program Grant.
- The Roughrider Trail, a multi-use motorized trail south of Mandan, will be expanded from 16 miles to 20 miles and will connect Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park to wildlife management areas, a gun range, three boat ramps, two historic sites and two Morton County parks.
- The newly launched OuterSpatial mobile app directs users to special events and points of interest within North Dakota’s state parks and over 2,200 miles of statewide trails. The app is free to download for iOS and Android. It offers hiking challenges, an interactive social platform and insight into outdoor recreation opportunities in North Dakota.
Copyright 2024 KVLY. All rights reserved.
VALLEY CITY — A truck hauling bees rolled over Thursday, May 28, on westbound Interstate 94 near mile marker 292 near Valley City, releasing millions of bees and closing the right lane of traffic.
The crash was reported at about 4:45 p.m. Thursday, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Officials said the westbound right-side lane was closed following the rollover.
Millions of bees were released in the crash, and beekeepers were called to the scene to help recover and contain the insects.
Officials said the cable barrier area marked where large groups of bees had clustered.
Drivers were asked to slow down, follow directions from emergency responders and give crews and the bees plenty of space while work continued at the scene.
WIBAUX, Mont. (KFYR) – Several fire departments from both North Dakota and Montana are fighting a grass fire about 40 miles south of Wibaux in the Pine Unit area.
The editor of the Wibaux Pioneer Gazette tells us no structures are in danger at this time, and the Wibaux, Beach, Golva and Glendive Fire Departments are working to put out the flames.
The public is asked to avoid the area at this time.
Copyright 2026 KFYR. All rights reserved.
North Dakota
Today in History, 1937: Records reveal purchase of North Dakota land by William Rockefeller
On this day in 1937, uncovered records revealed that William A. Rockefeller, father of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, once lived near Park River, N.D., where he bought and sold land in the late 1880s.
Here is the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day:
N. D. Chapter In Rockefeller Saga Revealed
Exhumation of dusty records reveals a North Dakota chapter in the lives of the Rockefeller family.
Almost forgotten in the near half century, but revived with the death Sunday of John D. Rockefeller at his Ormond Beach home in Florida, is the story of the bizarre William A. Rockefeller, the oil tycoon’s father, who lived in Park River in the ’80s.
Search for records began after Daniel E. Flynn, Bismarck businessman, reported he recalled hearing a story that Rockefeller lived in the Park River vicinity.
Establishing the veracity of his residence in Walsh county is a musty document in the register of deeds’ office in Grafton. It tells the story of William A. Rockefeller buying seven quarter sections of land for $6,000 on June 23, 1886, from P. D. Briggs.
On Oct. 10, 1890 — slightly over four years later — another transfer is recorded. With Rockefeller business sagacity the transfer price had gone to $10,000. Part of the present city of Park River is located on the land.
The story of the Park River Rockefeller dovetails with the Rockefeller life story. The elder Rockefeller was shrouded in mystery. Supposedly he abandoned his family.
Always in funds, he led a sequestered existence, revealing little of his life before coming to North Dakota. He later was known as Dr. William Rockefeller and the deed on the land transfer bore that name.
He sold patent medicine cure-alls, old timers in the Park River area recall. He remained in the Park River district for about four years. In Freeport, Ill., in 1910, well past 90, he died.
Harry O’Brien, publisher of the Walsh County Press at Park River, said C. D. Lord, a pioneer banker and real estate man, still a Park River resident, handled the land transfer in 1889.
Another story, unsubstantiated, is that John D. Rockefeller visited his father on several occasions. He came by private train, the train routed by night into Park River, and few people were aware that he had come into the community.
Kate Almquist is the social media manager for InForum. After working as an intern, she joined The Forum full time starting in January 2022. Readers can reach her at kalmquist@forumcomm.com.
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