Participants can look forward to visiting some of the badlands special areas, according to Jeb Williams, department outreach biologist. "We will try to see long-billed curlews, prairie dogs, burrowing owls, mule deer, golden eagles and other wildlife species that call the badlands home, while also talking about the habitats these species are dependent upon for survival," Williams said.

The field trip is a great opportunity to discuss some of the more challenging wildlife management issues in western North Dakota, Williams said, such as elk management in and around Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the increased presence of mountain lions.

The summer tour is again being offered thanks to the success of last year's event. "The badlands is one of North Dakota's unique and wild places, something wildlife enthusiasts deeply appreciate," Williams said. "While I can't guarantee what types of wildlife we may encounter, I can guarantee beautiful badlands scenery, especially with the rainfall received this year in western North Dakota."

The field trip will also highlight some recent projects established by the department's nongame biologists through State Wildlife Grants, said Steve Dyke, Game and Fish Department conservation section supervisor. The goal of the SWG program is to increase the department's awareness of the needs of many animal species to protect them from future decline, or listing as threatened or endangered species.

"The State Wildlife Grants program has given the department additional funding and man-power to study some of our state's nongame species," Dyke said. "The funding received from State Wildlife Grants will greatly improve the department's understanding for some of these lesser-known species, and the information collected will help guide management goals for future years."

The group will depart from Bismarck on Friday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. central time, and return Saturday, either late afternoon or early evening. Transportation will be provided. Participants will be responsible for meals and one night of lodging.

For more information, and to register, contact Jeb Williams at 328-6332. In an attempt to recruit new participants, last year's registrants are eligible to sign up beginning Aug. 17, if space remains.

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