# Interior Expands Prairie Pothole Easement Review

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), under the Department of the Interior, is expanding its voluntary review program for Prairie Pothole Wetland easements, specifically targeting older easements in North Dakota. This initiative responds to landowner concerns by collaboratively reviewing easement records and maps to clarify terms and support long-term wetland conservation on private lands. The program aims to enhance transparency and mutual understanding between landowners and the federal government, potentially influencing future easement management and conservation contracting.

- This expansion highlights increased federal engagement with private landowners in North Dakota, signaling opportunities for contractors specializing in environmental consulting, land surveying, and easement management services.
- Procurement professionals should note the voluntary nature of the program, which may lead to new cooperative agreements or service contracts to support easement reviews and conservation efforts.
- Organizations involved in wetland conservation and land management should evaluate how this initiative affects contract requirements and collaboration frameworks in the Prairie Pothole region.
- The focus on older easements suggests a need for detailed historical data analysis and mapping expertise, which could shape future procurement scopes and vendor qualifications.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
- Department of the Interior

### Key Quotes
> We heard clearly from North Dakota farmers and ranchers that they want greater certainty about how these older easements apply to their land.
> — Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior

### Sources
- [Interior Expands Program for Review of Prairie Pothole Wetland Easements | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-09/interior-expands-program-review-prairie-pothole-wetland-easements) - FWS