N.D. Cent. Code § 55-11-05

The department is authorized and empowered, for and on behalf of the state of North Dakota, to acquire nature preserves by gift, devise, or exchange, or purchase, with prior approval of the legislative assembly or governor. The department may acquire the fee simple interest in a natural area or any one or more lesser estates, interests, and rights therein, including, without limitation upon the generality of the foregoing by reason of specification, a leasehold estate, an easement either appurtenant or in gross and either granting the state specified rights of use or denying to the grantor specified rights of use, or both.