By Scout Nelson
Senator John Hoeven is continuing efforts to improve prairie dog management on federal lands in North Dakota. During a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing last week, he urged the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to take stronger action to manage prairie dog populations that are affecting ranching operations and neighboring private property.
Hoeven discussed the issue with USFS Chief Tom Schultz and highlighted language included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior Appropriations bill. The proposal calls for limiting prairie dog habitat to no more than 1.5% of federal land within any grazing allotment. It also seeks to establish a one-mile buffer between federal lands and nearby state and private lands.
The senator emphasized that current policies have not created enough separation between federal and non-federal lands. As a result, prairie dogs continue to spread onto private property, causing damage to grasslands and creating hazards for livestock. Ranchers have expressed concerns about the loss of productive grazing areas and the impact on their operations.
Schultz stated that the Forest Service expects to release an updated prairie dog management plan within the next month. Hoeven also secured a commitment from Schultz to visit North Dakota and meet with local grazing groups to discuss the plan and gather feedback from producers.
“Prairie dogs are a big problem in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands,” said Hoeven. “Our grazers are losing ground, not just on federal lands where they are permitted, but on their adjacent private lands. The existing buffer isn’t getting the job done. I appreciate that Chief Schultz is working to comply with the legislation we passed, and I look forward to reviewing the plan the Forest Service is developing, which should be released in the next month. At that time, we will arrange a meeting with the Chief to get input from our local grazers and make sure this new plan works for them.”
Hoeven also thanked Schultz and USFS Deputy Chief Chris French for ongoing efforts to control noxious weeds on federal lands. In addition, he continues to work toward securing a $4.5 million grant that would support local grazing groups in conducting weed control activities.
The senator further highlighted the importance of maintaining multiple uses of federal lands, including grazing, energy development, and recreation. He noted that Schultz’s upcoming visit will provide an opportunity to review these priorities and strengthen access for ranchers and rural communities.
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy