The 2025 North Dakota Reclamation Conference, themed “Future of Reclamation in North Dakota,” will bring together industry leaders, researchers and stakeholders to explore the evolving reclamation needs associated with the state’s growing energy sector. The conference will be held March 4-5 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City, North Dakota.

The conference will include general sessions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration among industry professionals, regulatory agencies, landowners and researchers.

“The energy industry plays a vital role in North Dakota’s economy, and as it continues to evolve, so too must our reclamation strategies,” says Thomas DeSutter, North Dakota State University professor and research leader for the School of Natural Resource Sciences. “This conference provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss how to balance energy development with responsible land stewardship.”

As North Dakota’s energy industry continues to expand with investments in enhanced oil recovery, pipeline infrastructure, transmission and data centers and legacy energy industries, understanding the reclamation challenges and opportunities ahead will be critical. This year’s conference will focus on aligning reclamation strategies with the state’s future energy developments to ensure long-term sustainability and responsible resource management.

The event will feature a keynote address by Lynn Helms, former director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. Helms will provide a comprehensive outlook on the future of North Dakota’s energy industry and the reclamation needs accompanying its continued growth.

Additional general session speakers will address key topics:

• The future of pipeline and transmission infrastructure in North Dakota.
• The role of enhanced oil recovery technologies in shaping reclamation needs.
• The long-term outlook for legacy energy industries and their reclamation challenges.
• Best practices for reclamation efforts in emerging energy sectors.

The event is hosted by NDSU Extension, Dickinson State University, 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 registration is now open. Early registration is $125 if paid by Feb. 14 and $145 thereafter. Student registration is free.

For more details or to register, visit www.ndreclamation.com or contact Miranda Meehan at 701-231-7683 or miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Feb. 6, 2025

Source: Miranda Meehan, 701-231-7683, miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu

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

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