North Dakota Natural Resources Trust Named 2024 Outstanding Rangeland Management Partner
Scott C. Marvin, Dakota Prairie Grasslands
September 15, 2025
From left to right, Bethany Ihle, DPG Supervisor, Jesse Beckers and Eric Rosenquist with NDNRT, and Misty Hays, Acting District Ranger, McKenzie Ranger District.
(USDA Forest Service photo by Scott C. Marvin)The Dakota Prairie Grasslands recently recognized the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust (NDNRT) with the 2024 Outstanding Rangeland Management Partner (ORMP) award for their efforts in actively engaging in conservation work on the grasslands.
The ORMP is awarded to external partners who have collaborated closely with field units to achieve positive and sustainable rangeland management outcomes.
The DPG recognized three NDNRT staff as active and instrumental partners, including Jesse Beckers, Eric Rosenquist, and Rick Warhurst.
Beckers coordinated with the Bakken Working Land Group to support the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund-led grasslands infrastructure projects, including juniper reduction and grassland restoration. The series of grasslands projects is estimated to cost $2 million.
Rosenquist rallied partners to assist private landowners within the grassland boundary in completing juniper management work, which reduced the direct project costs. Additionally, he collaborated with the DPG to develop and implement a pollinator habitat identification method that is currently employed throughout the grasslands.
Warhurst proactively raised over $100,000 in matched funding to repair and restore a Ducks Unlimited-constructed dam.
The NDNRT continues to work with the DPG on Dakota Skipper and other active conservation programs.