“ They have a pretty holistic view for the area ,” he offered . •
N . D . Department of Transportation , State Historical Society of North Dakota , Garrison Diversion Conservancy District , North Dakota ’ s Natural Areas Acquisition Advisory Committee , North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Committee , and the N . D . State Industrial Commission , along with the McLean County Commission and area residents .
The North Dakota Natural Resources Trust also had a major role in the project ’ s success , Williams added .
“ They ’ re kind of the air traffic controller ,” he described , helping coordinate everyone involved , organizing partners , partnerships , and ideas . The American Foundation for Wildlife , a North Dakota non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife and habitat , helped with fundraising .
The Outdoor Heritage Fund grant approved by the Industrial Commission helps establish backwater habitat , improve fish passage , and provide access .
The ND Dept . of Transporta- tion donated land , once the site of a former U . S . Highway 83 rest area , for additional access .
When completed , the new look of Painted Woods WMA “ checks all the boxes ,” described Williams -- less private land flooding , improved soil conditions , water quality and water supply , and increased hunting , fishing , and outdoor recreation opportunities .
“ It ’ s a sizeable area ,” he added , within reasonable travel distance from the larger communities of Minot and Bismarck , and nearby residents from either side of the Missouri River . The WMA is the largest recreation area along the Missouri River Bismarck and Washburn .
It also “ checks all the boxes ” when it comes to huntable wildlife in the region , including the possibility of an occasional moose , Williams described . “ And turkeys , lots of turkeys ,” Oberg added .
Look for Canada geese and a wide variety of ducks in addition to birds of the upland variety . Nongame birds run the gamut
from woodland species to bald eagles to riparian and wetland species to grassland species .
From the McLean County Water Resource Board ’ s perspective , it provides drainage from the creek ’ s 305 square-mile watershed to reduce flooding , described Oberg , along with recreational opportunities for county residents , protects the water source for nearby Painted Woods Golf Course and livestock producers using water from Katz Dam , a small weir dam on Painted Woods creek upstream of the WMA , and it ’ s walk-in access for hunting .
As part of the “ big picture ” of Painted Woods Creek , Katz Dam will also undergo much needed repairs to address deterioration problems , and a fish passage will be created to provide improved fish spawning and fishing opportunities .
Williams credits the Water Board for spearheading the vision for the Painted Woods area .
“ They have a pretty holistic view for the area ,” he offered . •
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