BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — More than two dozen groups went to Bismarck this week to lobby lawmakers about the outdoors.

KXMB-TV reports large groups like Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever as well as smaller organizations like the Beulah Park District urged lawmakers to spend more money to support outdoor projects.

The groups say farmers and ranchers are investing fewer acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, which provides habitat for wildlife.

Tom Hutchens with the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Board says a lot of ground cover is needed for natural nesting, and the state's losing a lot of that.

One bill in the Legislature would make an additional $10 million available for grants toward outdoor projects.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple also asked legislators to allocate $30 million to improve North Dakota's state parks.

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Information from: KXMB-TV, http://www.kxnet.com