Hoeven Pressing Forest Service to Better Manage Prairie Dogs, Prevent Impacts on Private Lands & Ranchers

WASHINGTON – During a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven pressed for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to more proactively manage prairie dog populations on USFS lands, which are impacting ranching operations and adjacent private lands. Hoeven outlined to USFS Chief Tom Schultz language he included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior Appropriations bill that calls on the agency to: Limit prairie dog habitat to no more than 1.5 percent of federal land in any single grazing allotment. Establish a one-mile buffer between federal lands and state and private lands. The senator stressed that current USFS policy has not created a sufficient buffer, resulting in prairie dog encroachment upon adjacent, non-federal acres, damaging the landscape and creating a real hazard for livestock. Schultz responded that USFS expects to release a plan in the next month, and Hoeven secured a commitment from Schultz to visit North Dakota and discuss the plan in detail with local grazing groups. “Prairie dogs are a big problem in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands,” said Hoeven. “Our grazers are losing ground, not just on federal lands where they are permitted, but on their adjacent private lands. The existing buffer isn’t getting the job done. I appreciate that Chief Schultz is working to comply with the legislation we passed, and I look forward to reviewing the plan the Forest Service is developing, which should be released in the next month. At that time, we will arrange a meeting with the Chief to get input from our local grazers and make sure this new plan works for them.” In addition, Hoeven thanked Schultz for USFS’ continued efforts, including those of USFS Deputy Chief Chris French, to control noxious weeds on federal lands. Hoeven continues to work to advance the $4.5 million grant to local grazing groups for weed spraying. The senator also stressed the importance of ensuring multiple use on USFS lands, including for grazing, energy development and recreation, and highlighted that Schultz’s visit to North Dakota will be an opportunity to review and strengthen access for these important priorities. -###-