FARGO - Educators, small businesses, hunters and anglers, and family farmers are some of 225 endorsers lining up behind Measure 5, which will protect North Dakota's clean water, wildlife and parks. Over the next week, endorsers will be holding events in communities statewide to talk about why the state's conservation legacy is important to them and why they will be voting Yes on 5.

Sponsoring committee members and individual endorsers kicked off an endorsement tour with events at Island Park in Fargo and the Greenway in Grand Forks

"The outpouring of support from across the state from people who are saying Yes on 5, which will protect our clean water, wildlife and parks for now and future generations has been staggering," said Steve Adair, campaign chairman. "Since the beginning of the year we have been talking with North Dakotans from all corners of the state and they are standing up to say we need to protect what we all love for our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren."

"I'm joining Main Street businesses and supporters from across the state who have officially endorsed Measure 5 because when passed it will protect what we love for our business community," said Mary Weaver, owner of local art gallery and framing shop, Browning Arts. "As someone who has been impacted by flood conditions, I also see Measure 5 as being another source of funding to help improve natural flood controls beyond what we currently have."

Hunters and anglers see a clear need to reverse the tide of lost habitat in the state.

"I am concerned that we will lose our outdoor traditions in North Dakota if we don't begin to pay attention to the loss of habitat happening across the state," said Fargo resident, and local hunter and angler, Buel Sonderland.

"That's why I am saying Yes on 5; to protect our world-class fisheries and hunting opportunities that our sportsmen and women depend on in North Dakota. It's not only important to our tourism economy, it's vital to family time many hold dear," said Sonderland. "Hunting and fishing brings in $1.4 billion to our economy and that drives our state's economy."

Health professionals are Saying Yes on 5, including Nicholas Watson.

"Living an active lifestyle yields a myriad of benefits, including reduced risk of chronic disease as well as reducing anxiety and depression." said Watson. "Measure 5 will provide funding for our communities to invest in parks and increase opportunities for North Dakotans to get outside, recreate, and stay healthy."

Measure 5 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.

For the current endorsement list, go to www.cleanwaterwildlifeparks.org/endorse