ND SCR4013

North Dakota was granted 2.6 million acres of scattered lands and minerals upon statehood in 1889 to fund education and public needs within the state.

State-owned lands and minerals within tribal nation and Little Missouri National Grasslands boundaries are difficult for North Dakota to access and manage; the state currently holds over 130,000 acres of minerals and over 31,000 surface acres within tribal nations.

Urges Congress to pass the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act, which would authorize North Dakota to relinquish land grant parcels located within tribal nations and grasslands and select other federal lands or minerals of equal value in lieu thereof.

The proposed exchange would fulfill the original promise of land and minerals to North Dakota, provide greater tribal sovereignty and control of lands within tribal nations, and support conservation of the grasslands.

Secretary of State shall forward copies of the resolution to the President, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Secretary of the Interior, and all North Dakota Congressional Delegation members.