As North Dakota’s energy industry continues to expand, effective reclamation is critical to sustaining the state’s land and natural resources.

Landowners, industry professionals, researchers and policymakers are invited to the 2026 North Dakota Reclamation Conference to engage in meaningful conversations about the reclamation of disturbed lands. The event will be held March 3-4 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City, North Dakota.

The North Dakota Reclamation Conference provides a place to share research, practical experience and applied approaches that support successful reclamation and long-term land stewardship.

The 2026 conference will focus on the intersections of reclamation and agriculture, with breakout sessions showcasing applied science and case studies to enhance reclamation. Breakout sessions will cover soil health in reclamation, as well as delineation and management techniques. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect outside of sessions during a social event at Stonehome Brewing Company.

The event will feature a keynote address by Anna Clare Monlezun, a rancher and rangeland scientist from Colorado. Drawing on her professional experience, Monlezun will share insights on integrating energy production into agricultural lands.

“I love working with others and engaging in the tough discussions to figure out the win-wins between agriculture and energy,” says Monlezun.

“Everyone is invited to come, from industrial leaders to farmers and ranchers,” says Howdy Lawlar, McKenzie County commissioner and rancher. “It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about how reclamation should be taken care of on your land and how things should be done the right way.”

The event is hosted by North Dakota State University Extension, the Society for Range Management, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, BNI Coal and BKS Environmental.

Conference details and registration are available at ndsu.ag/reclamation-26. Early registration is $125 if paid by Feb. 14 and $145 thereafter. Student registration is free.

For more information, contact Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist, at 701-231-7683 or miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Feb. 4, 2026

Source: Miranda Meehan, 701-219-9251, miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu

Source: Aaron Ostlund, 701-231-1814, aaron.m.ostlund@ndsu.edu

Source: Chantel Mertz, 701-625-1130, chantel.mertz@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominc.erickson@ndsu.edu