WSLCA meets 'where the West begins'

Those of you who attended the Winter Conference in Reno may remember North Dakota Land Commissioner Bob Olheiser's suggestion to "Think Bismarck." Well, the time has come to act. Preparations for the summer conference in Bismarck are moving steadily forward and North Dakota is excited about hosting this year's conference along the shores of the Mighty Missouri!

The Bismarck conference agenda is being assembled with the idea that nobody knows our business better than WSLCA members do. For this reason, the sessions, panels and discussions will feature, almost exclusively, our own members sharing their thoughts, ideas, successes, and failures.

North Dakota has expanded on the successful Information Exchange Discussion format from Reno and, under the North Dakota format, we should all be able to attend all of the discussions without having to choose one at the expense of missing another. Regardless of your responsibility in educational trust land management, Bismarck will offer something for everyone. From surface management of minerals, to marina issues and public relations, they've got it! And while the fighting spirit and work ethic of North Dakotans recently dominated the national news from Fargo and Grand Forks, Bismarck wants WSLCA to know that fun and entertainment are on the agenda too. All guests, young and old, male and female, are encouraged to "Discover the Spirit" and hospitality of the Old West during their stay in Bismarck.

At this conference, you will witness the workings of the world's largest coal dragline on a trip to the Freedom Mine, and experience technology at its best in a tour of the Great Plains Synfuels Plant -- the only one of its kind in the United States, specializing in the manufacturing of natural gas. Included in the line-up of evening activities is a pitchfork fondue at historic Fort Lincoln, with tours of the replicated home of General George Custer, and a dramatic presentation of life at the fort, provided by a local theatre company. The week's activities will culminate with a tasty treat of buffalo fare (the latest and greatest dietary trend to hit the modern world) at Wednesday evening's banquet. Banquet entertainment will be provided by Fiddlin' Johnny, a talented family of string musicians who will provide us with toe-tapping music and tales of western folklore, and a magic show by Bismarck's magical mayor, Bill Sorenson (really!).

Special functions for guests include tours of the State Capitol and Heritage Center, and lunch on the river, complete with an innovative decorating workshop entitled "New Uses for Antiques in Your Home & Wardrobe." Wednesday afternoon's plans are for a trip to the Cross Ranch. Named for Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross brand, this state park is dedicated to preserving the native prairie and habitat for which North Dakota is noted.

Younger guests are welcome as well. Guests 18 and younger attend free. In fact, there will be door prize drawings specifically for guests up to age 18.

Participants are encouraged to register for the conference online at www.land.state.nd.us/wslca. If you do not have web access, you will also be able to register by returning the traditional conference registration forms that North Dakota will be mailing to each state. The web site will also contain more detailed information about conference activities for guest and delegates, hotel reservation information, up-to-the-minute weather reports (a big deal in ND since the recent flooding), and other general information. If you have any questions, you can contact the North Dakota Land Department by calling (701) 328-2800 (ask for Jerry or Linda), or email linda@poldy.land.state.nd.us.

If you intend to spend some time in North Dakota either prior to or following the conference, we suggest that you make plans to stop by historic Medora, located just two hours west of Bismarck in the heart of North Dakota's beautiful badlands. In Medora, you can visit the prairie home of President Theodore Roosevelt, and attend the world-famous Medora Musical, presented under the stars in a newly remodeled modern outdoor amphitheater.

In addition, just 40 miles south of Bismarck lies Prairie Knights Casino, an island on the sea of North Dakota prairie. This Las Vegas-style casino is a virtual smorgasbord of exquisite dining and gaming opportunities.