Infographic Highlights Needs and Illustrates How North Dakota Stacks Up

BISMARCK, N.D.- North Dakota is seeing unprecedented population growth due to a strong economy and low unemployment. According to North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks, voters have a unique opportunity to benefit growing communities across the state by investing in our parks, trails and outdoor heritage.

"The state's growing and so is the need for a greater investment in our state and municipal parks," said Steve Adair, the campaign chairman. "We haven't added a new state park in 30 years and have a golden opportunity to do that without raising taxes. The Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks measure is going to give North Dakota the ability to build new parks and help maintain the things we love about North Dakota today and for future generations."

"The Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks measure is going to give North Dakotans the ability to help make this a reality," Adair said, "and help the state's economy at the same time."

Amy Walker, a teacher and parent from Mandan says parks are an important need for developing children.

"The Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks measure will benefit us all," said Walker. "North Dakota has a historic opportunity to improve our parks with this measure and it is well worth the future investment we're going to be making for everybody without taking funding away from our schools."

Megan Albrecht, a middle school student from Jamestown is excited for the outdoor education prospects the passage of the Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks measure will provide.

"North Dakota is lucky to have parks where students of all ages can learn more about our state by being outside," said Albrecht. "This will give schools more chances for outdoor classes and bike trails for everybody to enjoy."

Holly Dickson, a small business owner and parent from Mandan is looking forward to seeing grant opportunities for local and state parks.

"I feel that quality parks are a vital part of family's life; kids need to space to run and play, fly kites, watch wildlife and fish, have birthday parties or just enjoy being outdoors," said Dickson.

"We are fortunate because we have a new county park in Morton County that is fantastic, it even has a mountain bike trail; not many kids or families have parks available to them. That is shame."

Joan Knoll, a parks advocate from Bismarck, is looking forward to the potential of new access in state parks.

"With these historic budget surpluses, we have a unique window to invest in the future of our state's parks," said Knoll. "Walking trails can always be improved and expanded in our parks. The Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks measure will provide funding to improve access to our state's outdoors."

The infographic provided by the North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks campaign committee shows:

• Outdoor recreation is important to 93 percent of North Dakota households.
  
• North Dakota spends $9.9 million on operating and maintenance for state parks.
  
• Over $800 million in revenue is generated by state parks visitors and provides over 6,000 jobs.
  
• North Dakota ranks 49th nationally only ahead of much smaller Rhode Island in parks acreage.
  
• North Dakota ranks behind Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota in state park, recreation area, and natural area acreage.

The North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks measure will dedicate five percent of the state's oil and gas extraction tax revenue to protect North Dakota's clean water and lands for future generations through a voluntary grant program administered by a citizen advisory board and the Governor, Attorney General, and Agriculture Commissioner. Potential projects could include protecting clean water in our rivers, lakes and streams; preserving unique natural areas like the Badlands and critical fish and wildlife habitats; creating parks and other areas for recreation, hunting and fishing; protecting communities and private property from flooding by improving natural flood controls; and providing more opportunities and places for our children to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

North Dakotans for Clean Water, Wildlife & Parks is supported by a coalition of concerned citizens: including teachers; family farmers; members of the health community; conservation organizations; hunters and anglers; and small business owners from across the state.



CONTACT: Becky Jones Mahlum, (701) 355-3507