Little Missouri Conservation Bank Approved to Provide Dakota Skipper Mitigation in North Dakota

HALLIDAY, N.D., Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westervelt Ecological Services (WES) is pleased to announce the approval of the Little Missouri Conservation Bank, a 310-acre project in Dunn County, North Dakota. Approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the bank provides Dakota skipper credits to offset unavoidable impacts to the federally threatened butterfly and its habitat.

Organizations planning projects that may affect Dakota skipper habitat are encouraged to contact WES to discuss their mitigation needs, anticipated credit availability, and whether the bank may provide an appropriate path for meeting agency requirements.

Located within the North Dakota Badlands, the Bank preserves existing native prairie while restoring degraded grasslands affected by woody encroachment and other historical disturbances. Through restoration, permanent protection, and long-term stewardship, the project will improve prairie conditions, strengthen habitat connectivity, and provide long-term conservation for the Dakota skipper and other native species.

The Dakota skipper was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2014 following significant declines across its historic range. Native prairie loss, fragmentation, and degradation continue to be among the greatest challenges facing the species, making the protection and management of existing and degraded prairie landscapes critical to its long-term recovery.

Aerial view of native prairie and badlands habitat protected within the Little Missouri Conservation Bank.

The Bank site is permanently protected through a conservation easement held by the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust (NDNRT), with long-term endowment funding held by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to ensure its ecological functions are maintained in perpetuity.

Planning a project that may affect Dakota skipper habitat? Curious about credits for your project? 
Contact Maria Caiola at (720) 656-9324 or mcaiola@westervelt.com to discuss credits and potential mitigation options.

About Westervelt Ecological Services: Westervelt Ecological Services is a leading provider of mitigation and conservation banking solutions, focused on restoring and preserving wetlands, streams, and critical wildlife habitat. A division of The Westervelt Company, a nearly 140-year-old land stewardship organization based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, WES delivers mitigation and conservation banking and restoration solutions to support responsible development across the United States. To learn more visit www.wesmitigation.com.

Contact:

Maria Caiola | Business Development Representative
(720) 656-9324 | mcaiola@westervelt.com

Eveline Vega | Project Manager
(720) 568-0998 | evega@westervelt.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/accaecd9-54dd-4f58-8402-4089c486c759