North Dakota is planning a new state park in the scenic Pembina Gorge near the Canadian border to promote tourism in the northeastern part of the state.
As per a report, the park is expected to draw Canadian tourists and others to the gorge, which was carved out by glaciers.
Due to its close proximity to Winnipeg, Canada, the attraction is anticipated to appeal to a range of outdoor enthusiasts.
The recently adjourned Legislature approved $6 million for a Pembina Gorge state campground, located within a mile of the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area’s trailhead, according to the Bismarck Tribune.
The funds come from the state’s Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, derived from oil tax revenue, with an additional $2 million match from a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.
North Dakota currently has 13 state parks, with Pembina Gorge being the first since Cross Ranch in 1989.
Cody Schulz, the Director of State Parks and Recreation, shared his excitement about the forthcoming campground, which will be ingeniously situated on former agricultural land along the timberline of the gorge. Schulz expressed his hope that the development will be completed within a span of two years, allowing eager explorers and nature enthusiasts to fully indulge in the park’s splendors in the near future.
The acquisition of the land for this visionary project was set in motion back in 2017, when the agency responsible for state parks purchased an impressive 164.53 acres for the new park. The cost of this land, valued at $302,158, was divided equally between the federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund and the state’s own financial resources, demonstrating a shared commitment to preserving and enhancing North Dakota’s natural heritage.
In addition to the landmark park development, North Dakota’s Legislature also demonstrated its dedication to infrastructure maintenance by approving an additional $10 million.
This substantial allocation will help address the existing backlog of maintenance requirements related to roads, buildings, and shorelines, ensuring that the state’s recreational facilities remain in top-notch condition for residents and visitors alike.
As North Dakota embarks on this ambitious endeavor, the state anticipates a surge in tourism and economic prosperity, as the captivating Pembina Gorge beckons adventure-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and explorers from both sides of the border.
Featured image from Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area.
