The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crosby Wetland Management District (WMD) is seeking applications from qualified individuals to conduct prescribed grazing activities under our Cooperative Agriculture Program. The purpose of the grazing program is to manage upland habitat to promote and enhance native grass and forb diversity in the prairies, enhance nesting cover for migratory birds and waterfowl, and reduce invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species .
The selected applicant will operate under a Cooperative Agriculture Agreement (CAA) as a “cooperator” with the Service. Under this Agreement, the cooperator will be responsible for providing the cattle and the necessary labor and materials to implement conservation grazing on Service lands. Successful applicants will have operational flexibility to incorporate Service lands into a grazing rotation to enhance grasslands specifically for wildlife conservation.
This Agreement does not guarantee grazing will be available every year. Availability of grazing will depend upon habitat conditions, other management activities, or research needs. We also incorporate rest years into our management plans. Cooperators should expect units will be rested in some years.
Agreements may not exceed 5 years, at which time they must be re-advertised. Applicants may apply for more than one tract but should bear in mind they will be responsible for meeting all obligations on all tracts for which they are selected. Once selected, applicant’s refusal to accept a unit or failure to meet obligations of the Agreement may result in immediate termination of the Agreement and the applicant’s disqualification from applying for future opportunities.
Summary information and maps for each unit being advertised are included with application materials. Access to units, water availability, and condition of fencing varies by unit. If you are unfamiliar with the unit, we encourage you to call for specific information prior to applying.
Past performance will be considered for applicants who have previously held grazing permits with the Service. The Service also reserves the right to limit the number of units a single applicant may be awarded, depending on interest or other considerations.
How to Apply
To apply, applicants must complete a Cooperative Grazing Application for each unit you wish to be considered for. Applications must be received by COB February 1 to be considered.
Application materials may be obtained by the following methods:
Under the "Get Started" section below
In person at the Crosby WMD Office (address below)
By calling the Crosby WMD Office at 701-965-6488
Completed applications may be submitted by the following methods:
1. Mail or hand deliver to the Crosby WMD Office
Crosby Wetland Management District – Grazing Applications
10100 Hwy 42 NW
Crosby, ND 58730
2. Email completed application materials to Diane Borgreen, Wildlife Refuge Specialist at diane_borgreen@fws.gov
How Cooperators Will Be Selected
Applications will be evaluated and scored based on answers to the application questions. Applicants may be required to supply additional information to support their answers. Once applications have been scored, the applicant with the highest score will be selected for each unit. Ties will be broken by random drawing among tied applicants. Applicants will be offered the opportunity to attend such drawing if they wish. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application no later than February 28, 2023.
Contact information for unsuccessful applicants will be retained on file. In the event a cooperator is unable to fulfill their obligation on a unit, the next highest-scoring applicant for the unit will be offered the opportunity to complete the remainder of the existing permit term.
For additional information regarding these opportunities, or if you require assistance, please contact Diane Borgreen at (701) 965-6488 or diane_borgreen@fws.gov.