Based on Bakken energy development in western North Dakota, producers, energy companies and all associated stakeholders need effective reclamation.
A workshop, "Reclamation -- Bringing Ideas Together," will be held Feb. 26 at the Biesiot Activities Center on the Dickinson State University campus. Workshop presentations will be made by reclamation researchers, educators, energy companies, county officials and consultants from North Dakota and Wyoming.
The sponsors are DSU, NDSU Extension Service, Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education Program, Society for Range Management and BKS Environmental Associates Inc.
The morning sessions will consist of soil topics such as why soil considerationsare important, how soil health parameters are affected by disturbance and their recovery under reclamation, why erosion control is important, what management practices work best and rates of soil processes on reclaimed lands.
Pete Stahl, director of the Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center in Laramie, will present the introductory talk.
The afternoon sessions will consist of vegetation topics such as annual covercrops on perennial grass seedings, selection of appropriate plant species for this area, a summary of current research on grassland plantings, interim and final reclamation of oil and gas sites in western North Dakota, and controlling invasive weeds. A wrap-up session will conclude the day.
Attendees are encouraged to participate in informal table discussion sessions at lunch and at the end of the day. Both are opportunities to ask questions and learn from other attendees.
Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. at the Biesiot Activities Center. The registration cost is $20 if registered by Feb. 21 or $25 at the door. The workshop will conclude by 4:30 p.m. and has been accredited through the Society for Range Management for 6 continuing education units.
Individuals wanting more information can contact Toby Stroh attoby.stroh@dickinsonstate.edu or 701-483-2185 or Brenda Schladweiler atbschladweiler@bksenvironmental.com or 307-686-0800.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
