June 1 – WALHALLA, ND – State officials broke ground on Pembina Gorge State Park, North Dakota’s 14th state park, with a ceremony on Friday, May 31. Doug Burgumwho had initially planned to attend was absent.
A spokesman for Burgum confirmed the governor’s absence and that he was in New York on Friday. Burgum appeared on Fox News earlier on Friday to discuss
Donald Trump’s conviction on Thursday.
The former president was found guilty of forging documents to cover up the payment to silence porn star Stormy Daniels.
“Yesterday was a sad day for America,” Burgum said of the trial results during Friday’s broadcast. “This travesty of justice.”
Burgum had previously planned to attend the groundbreaking Pembina Gorge State Park along with North Dakota Parks and Recreation Director Cody Schulz, Rendezvous Region Tourism Council President Angelle French and local youth Eva Robinson and Max Mostad. Guests were invited to participate take a guided hike at the Pembina Gorge Trailhead or take a historical tour of the Icelandic State Park as part of the event.
The park will be the state’s 14th and newest park since 1989
. The park’s creation was announced by Burgum’s office in May 2023, following the decision of the North Dakota Legislature
approval of $6 million
for the Northeastern North Dakota Recreation Area during the 2023 legislative session. Burgum has also supported outdoor recreation in the state by signing an executive order establishing a new recreation area
Outdoor Recreation Office
earlier this year.
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department also received an acknowledgment
a $2 million grant
in 2023 for the park project through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The park development includes a campground with approximately 35 sites, underground utilities, roads, six full-service cabins, a maintenance shop and a comfort station.
Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Jace Beehler attended the groundbreaking in Burgum’s locale, according to an updated news release about the groundbreaking. Although Burgum was not present, his office did issue a press release about the park on Friday afternoon.
“Pembina Gorge State Park is a generational investment in one of the most beautiful areas of our state,” Burgum said in the release. “By adding campsites and elevating Pembina Gorge from a state recreation area to our 14th state park, we will attract additional visitors and provide more opportunities for individuals and families from North Dakota and beyond to experience all this unique area has to offer. is an opportunity to enhance outdoor recreation, tourism and economic development while helping us recruit and retain a much-needed workforce.”
