Managing State Trust Lands Fiduciary Duty in the Changing West
In partnership with Sonoran Institute
North Dakota Trust Land
 click map to enlarge |
North Dakota State Land Department Board and University School Lands 1707 North 9th Street PO Box 5523 Bismarck, ND 58506-5523 701-328-2800 |
| Of Interest | |
|---|---|
| State Resources | |
| Current Land Holdings | 708,206 acres (22 percent of original land grant of 3.2 million acres) |
| Uses | grazing, agriculture, rights-of-way, salt water disposal, gravel and scoria leases |
| Primary Revenue Source | grazing and agricultural leases |
| Trust Requirements | Lands are held in trust pursuant to the state enabling act and state constitution. The constitution entrusted management of these lands to the Board of University and School Lands. This board is comprised of the governor, sec. of state vice chair, attorney general, superintendent of public education, and the state treasurer. The board appoints a commissioner to act on its behalf. The Constitution of North Dakota requires that these lands be leased to the highest bidder at public auction for a maximum of 5 years, with no preference given to anyone through occupancy or use, including the previous or current lessee. Revenue from leases is distributed annually and revenue from sales and mineral production is deposited in the permanent fund. |
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