Issues With Mineral Lease Auction Arise

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota public lands officials say they've incorporated many recommendations to protect habitat on 54,000 acres slated for mineral leasing.

The land falls under at least partial control of the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands. Officials will auction mineral leases on the properties Tuesday in Medora. The Forum reports many of the tracts are near wildlife habitat or natural landmarks.

The Game and Fish Department has recommended restrictions on many of the tracts to limit impacts on wildlife. Other agencies, including federal wildlife and historic preservation officials, also have submitted comments with concerns.

State Lands Commissioner Lance Gaebe says officials have imposed restrictions or alerted developers that restrictions could apply to protect historical, paleontological or archaeological resources. Some conservation advocates say that doesn't go far enough.