Hoeven denies Ducks Unlimited land buy

Gov. John Hoeven has denied a proposed 598-acre Ducks Unlimited land buy in Kidder County, a decision the conservation group said does not respect private property rights. Hoeven’s decision, announced Monday, follows the recommendation of the Kidder County Commission and the Natural Areas Acquisition Advisory Committee, which advises the governor on land purchases by nonprofits. Ducks Unlimited wanted to buy the land from Bismarck resident Judith Hetletved in Kidder County, east of Bismarck. The property includes idle grassland, pasture, wetlands and a 5-acre site with buildings. Members of the Natural Areas Acquisition Advisory Committee had said they had reservations about long-term easements and would rather see land sold back to farmers and ranchers than to wildlife interests...Grand Forks Herald