Welcome to the Dakota Prairie Grasslands,where pristine vistas inspire the imagination; where the rugged unspoiled beauty of the land invites exploration; and where the sights and sounds of the wide, rolling prairie stimulate the senses.
Stretching over 1,259,000 acres, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer visitors the opportunity to view elk, antelope, whitetail and mule deer, bighorn sheep , coyote, sharptail grouse, greater prairie chicken, pheasant, wild turkey, eagles, falcons, and the busy prairie dog. Some recreational opportunities available are hiking, camping, horseback riding, photography, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and backpacking.
Map of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands are not solid blocks of National Forest System lands; rather, they are intermingled with other federal, state, and privately owned lands. This mixed ownership pattern contributes to the uniqueness of the DPG. Each of the National Grasslands has a flavor all its own. From the savannas of the Grand and Cedar River National Grasslans to the rugged badlands of the Little Missouri National Grasslands and the rolling plains of the Sheyenne National Grasslands, visitors can enjoy the abundant wildlife and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Resource use on the grasslands include paleontological and archeological digs, oil and gas production, cattle grazing, and recreation.
Forest Service Begins Dakota Prairie Grasslands Greater Sage-grouse Effort
The Forest Service published a Notice of Intent on May 21, 2014, annoucing the agency's intent to prepare an environmental impact statement to amend the Dakota Priaire Grasslands Land and Resource Management Plan. The scoping period commenced on May 22, 2014, and ended on July 7, 2014. This effort will analyze approximatetly 140,400 acres in the planning areas and identify management direction to conserve, enhance, or restore greater sage-grouse habitat by reducing, eliminating, or minimizing threats to the habitat.
Revised Demonstration Project (Appendix A of the Livestock Grazing Record of Decision for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands final Environmental Impact Statement and Resource Management Plan.
Direct questions to Leslie Ferguson, Grasslands Environmental Coordinator, at 701-989-7300.
Over 750 young, and young-at-heart, anglers participate in Annual Fishing Derbies across the Dakota Prairie Grasslands in early June. This year marks the 22nd year our many partners provide support to the Fishing Derbies and encourage people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Partners last year included the Southwest Anglers, Association, North Dakota Game and Fish, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, City of Watford City, Grand River Sportsman's Club, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service employees and volunteers.
Thanks to all who contribute, volunteer and participate!
The Forest Service published a Notice of Intent on May 21, 2014, annoucing the agency's intent to prepare an environmental impact statement to amend the Dakota Priaire Grasslands Land and Resource Management Plan. The scoping period commenced on May 22, 2014, and ended on July 7, 2014. This effort will analyze approximatetly 140,400 acres in the planning areas and identify management direction to conserve, enhance, or restore greater sage-grouse habitat by reducing, eliminating, or minimizing threats to the habitat.
