Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - May 12, 2024

Burgum establishes Office of Outdoor Recreation to enhance private sector partnerships, maximize impact

Gov. Doug Burgum, alongside state agency officials and partner organizations, announced the establishment of the North Dakota Office of Outdoor Recreation to grow North Dakota’s outdoor recreation economy by strengthening partnerships with the private sector and increasing collaboration among all stakeholders to seize the incredible natural and economic opportunities our great state has to offer.

Recognizing the growing importance of outdoor recreation, North Dakota joins 21 other states in establishing a dedicated Office of Outdoor Recreation. The new office, created by executive order, is being launched using existing resources and personnel.

“This new office will allow us to better coordinate with stakeholders and state agencies as they develop plans, strategies and initiatives to maximize the impact of outdoor recreation in North Dakota,” Burgum said. “We are incredibly excited to connect even more deeply with our partners in the private sector who drive economic development and job creation in our state. From the sales and service of boats, RVs and ATVs, to hunting and fishing gear, bicycles and skis, outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of our state’s economic well-being.”

The Office of Outdoor Recreation was announced during a press conference at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, a fitting location where the Missouri River, historical and cultural tourist attractions, a wildlife management area and an extensive trail system converge to create a haven for outdoor recreation and exploration.

Among the speakers were representatives from the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department – which will serve as the administrative home for the office – the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Department of Commerce, Garrison Convention and Visitors Bureau, Woodland Resort, Action Motor Sports, and Save the Maah Daah Hey.

The announcement comes at a time when outdoor activities are contributing over $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. According to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, North Dakota sees a $1.3 billion economic boost annually from outdoor recreation, and the Office of Outdoor Recreation is poised to further develop this sector within the state.

“I know I speak for my partners at Game and Fish and Commerce when I say we are thrilled at the opportunity to strategically connect with all outdoor recreation stakeholders in the private sector and state, federal and local governments,” said Cody Schulz, director of North Dakota Parks and Recreation. “The physical and mental health impacts of outdoor recreation are well known, and this office will help to drive the economic health of the state as well. This is about going from really good to great.”

By uniting stakeholders, the Office of Outdoor Recreation will promote economic growth, workforce recruitment and retention, enhance quality of life and preserve the state's unique outdoor heritage. The combined efforts will unlock doors for critical investment, propelling further growth and innovation within the state’s outdoor recreation industry.

“Our members across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy are celebrating Governor Burgum’s leadership today in establishing the 22nd Office of Outdoor Recreation across the United States," said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. "This office will be a catalyst for supporting North Dakota’s $1.3 billion outdoor recreation economy that creates nearly 14,000 jobs for North Dakotans. Outdoor recreation builds thriving economies, helps attract new workers and businesses, generates benefits for physical and mental health, and connects people to treasured natural places. North Dakota’s outdoor recreation businesses, organizations, and communities of all sizes will benefit greatly from the Governor's deep commitment to the outdoors and we can’t wait to support their future work.”

North Dakota continues to experience historically low unemployment, and in a post-pandemic workforce environment, in many cases workers can first choose where they wish to live and then decide where they want to work, Burgum noted. This trend makes outdoor recreation opportunities even more important as a workforce recruitment and retention tool.

The increase in public demand coincides with historic investments in outdoor recreation. In addition to significant investments in state and local park infrastructure, the 2023 North Dakota Legislature approved $25 million for Destination Development matching grants. Thirteen projects were funded, with all but one involving outdoor recreation.

As part of the Office of Outdoor Recreation launch, North Dakota Parks and Recreation announced three significant initiatives:

• $1.2 million was awarded to four applicants across the state for construction and rehabilitation of trails through the Recreation Trails Program Grant.
• The Roughrider Trail, a multi-use motorized trail south of Mandan, will be expanded from 16 miles to 20 miles and will connect Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park to wildlife management areas, a gun range, three boat ramps, two historic sites and two Morton County parks.
• The newly launched OuterSpatial mobile app directs users to special events and points of interest within North Dakota’s state parks and over 2,200 miles of statewide trails. The app is free to download for iOS and Android. It offers hiking challenges, an interactive social platform and insight into outdoor recreation opportunities in North Dakota.

Burgum proclaims May 12-18 Police Week in North Dakota, directs flags to be flown at half-staff May 15 for Peace Officers Memorial Day

Gov. Burgum has issued a proclamation declaring May 12-18 as Police Week in North Dakota and Wednesday, May 15, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The governor directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Wednesday, May 15, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

“On Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor the memory of those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and recognize all those who put themselves at risk every day in the fight against crime, violence and terrorism,” Burgum said. “We are eternally grateful for these fallen officers, including the 69 North Dakotans who lost their lives in the line of duty, and we extend our gratitude and support to their families today and every day. During Police Week, we also pay tribute to our state’s uniformed officers for their dedicated service to our communities and faithful devotion to their duty to serve and protect the safety of our citizens.”

Windows of the Capitol were lit to display a “thin blue line” at dusk Thursday and Friday last week as a mark of respect and support for all law enforcement officers.

Burgum congratulates three North Dakota students named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

The North Dakota scholars include (hometown, scholar, school, location):

• Grand Forks – Hanson W. Du, Grand Forks Central High School.
• Grand Forks – Selena Wu, Red River High School.
• Lehr – Teagan L. Erbele, Napoleon High School. (Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education)

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

"Grateful to have these incredible seniors representing our great state after being selected as three of the 161 national scholars for their accomplishments among more than 5,700 candidates," Gov. Burgum stated in congratulating the students on social media.

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. 2024 is the program’s 60th anniversary.

A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

Burgum presents strategic budget guidelines to state agencies for 2025-2027 biennium

Gov. Burgum presented his strategic budget guidelines this week for the 2025-2027 biennium, emphasizing the need for agencies to continue finding efficiencies, containing costs and identifying opportunities for innovation and automation in state government as inflationary costs, formula-driven demands and other factors put pressure on the state budget.

While state general fund revenues are running ahead of forecast, Burgum noted that the trajectory of the state’s overall budget requires focusing on efficiencies, savings and outcomes for citizens. State general fund revenues for the current biennium were running 10.8%, or nearly $213 million, ahead of forecast through March, nine months into the two-year budget cycle.

“Today, we’re issuing guidelines that ask agencies to tighten their belts, just as our citizens have had to tighten theirs due to the high prices of goods and services caused by high inflation,” Burgum said. “We realize that asking agencies to cut their budgets may seem counter-intuitive when our state coffers and reserves are flush with cash. But the current trajectory of our overall state budget requires us to contain costs, and we must identify additional areas for efficiencies and savings if we’re to ensure that ongoing revenues can cover expenditures in the long term.”

The Governor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) began the strategy review process with state agencies in January, holding 74 meetings across various agencies.

The budget guidelines released today call for agencies with budgets of more than $10 million in general funds or special funds to identify a 3% reduction.

“Although our state is doing well financially, we have a variety of needs to be addressed which will require prioritizing and refocusing resources,” OMB Director Susan Sisk said. “The net effect of all of these adjustments will be a fairly flat starting point overall, although it will vary slightly by agency.”

Agencies will again have the opportunity to submit proposals that may require resources above the base level in the form of decision packages.

A shortage of workers to fill job openings continues to limit North Dakota’s economic growth opportunities, Burgum noted. The state currently has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, at 2%, and the second-highest labor participation rate, at 68.9%. Job Service North Dakota reported 16,540 online job listings in April, down 4.8% from the same month one year ago, though the number of estimated available jobs is 30,000 or more because only a fraction of open positions are posted.

“Whether you’re in the private sector or government, our workforce shortage means we must capitalize on every opportunity to automate processes and free up our limited workforce to focus on high-value work,” Burgum said.

Fort Stevenson State Park celebrates 50th anniversary with attempt for a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title

Fort Stevenson State Park invites the public to gather at the park on Saturday, May 18, to attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Most people making s’mores simultaneously in celebration of the park’s 50th anniversary.

An official judge from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS will be on site to verify the record and confirm that more than 891 people, which is the current record, simultaneously made s’mores.

“We want to do something really special and notable to celebrate our 50th anniversary, and since making s’mores is a favorite camping activity, why not try to break the record?” said Fort Stevenson State Park Manager Chad Trautman. “We are aiming for 1,000 people to attend and help us break this record, so we hope North Dakotans will support this exciting endeavor.”

Participants are asked to arrive early to allow time to check in. Gates to the designated event area will open at 1:30 p.m. and close at 2:45 p.m., with the record attempt to commence at 3 p.m. The first 1,200 participants will receive a commemorative 50th anniversary roasting stick courtesy of SCHEELS. Restrooms and concessions will be available. Leashed pets are allowed in the park but not in the event area.

While participants need to be able to make their own s'mores, there will be a dedicated spectator area with a comfort station and grassy space for families with young children.

Park entrance fees will be waived for the day, and participants are encouraged to carpool where possible.

The s’mores record attempt event is made possible by these generous sponsors: Garrison Area Improvement Association, McLean Electric Cooperative, CHI St. Alexius Health, Hwy 83 Lawn and Leisure, Hwy 83 Manufacturing, Cenex, TruCommunity Bank, BNC Bank, SCHEELS, Dairy Queen, Krause's SuperValu, 4 Seasons Restaurant, Basic Electric, and Otter Tail Power.