March 12, 2025
 

Bureau of Land Management and North Dakota State Historic Preservation Office sign historic agreement to enhance preservation efforts 

BISMARCK, N.D. — The Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas and the North Dakota State Historic Preservation Office formally signed a landmark agreement on March 12 at the State Historical Society of North Dakota offices in Bismarck. The agreement establishes a structured and efficient framework for cultural resource management and streamlines compliance processes.

“This agreement marks a major milestone in our partnership with the North Dakota State Historic Preservation Office,” said Sonya Germann, Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas State Director. “With this framework in place, we are enhancing efficiency in cultural resource management while maintaining our commitment to responsible preservation.”

The implementation of this agreement brings together Bureau of Land Management and State Historic Preservation Office leadership, industry representatives, tribal partners, and other stakeholders in a significant step toward improved coordination in historic and cultural preservation efforts.

“By focusing efforts where they will have the greatest impact, we can ensure that land management decisions balance economic growth with responsible historic preservation,” said Andrew Clark, deputy State Historic Preservation officer. “This agreement strengthens our ability to support North Dakota’s vital energy and agricultural industries while preserving the state’s finite cultural heritage.”

The agreement also aligns with the Department of the Interior’s Secretary’s Order 3418, “Unleashing American Energy,” by ensuring that cultural resource reviews on federal lands are conducted in a more timely and efficient manner, supporting responsible energy development while upholding preservation commitments.

The protocol is expected to significantly reduce review times, particularly for oil and gas-related activities, while ensuring compliance with federal preservation requirements. Additionally, the agreement clarifies tribal consultation responsibilities, increases public and stakeholder engagement, and establishes cooperative education and outreach initiatives. 

The Bureau of Land Management manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The Bureau of Land Management also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation.  

For more information, contact Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Andrew Clark, 701.328.2666 or andrewclark@nd.gov. The State Historic Preservation Office within the State Historical Society of North Dakota is responsible for a number of duties, including the ability to locate, survey, investigate, register, identify, preserve and protect historic, architectural, archaeological and cultural sites, structures and objects worthy of preservation, and the ability to review all federal undertakings permitted, funded, licensed or otherwise assisted.  

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CONTACT
Kara Haff, Public Information Officer
701.328.3547

PHOTO CAPTION
Andrew Clark, deputy State Historic Preservation officer and Sonya Germann, Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas State Director sign landmark cultural resource agreement Wednesday.

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