JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A long-needed project delayed in 2020 due to COVID-19 is expected to get underway this fall near the Pipestem Reservoir.

Jamestown Rotarian Sean Johnson says as part of the Rotary Club, they are always seeking days of service to volunteer and give back to the community.

Johnson says with all the pieces in place, they’re looking at beginning their shrub planting project this fall.

Pipestem Dam Manager James Dixon says the shrub project will be very beneficial to wildlife habitat in the area.

Dixon estimates a few thousand shrubs are ordered and need to be planted to help restore some habitat. They’re hoping to start planting just to the west of the dam at the end of September or early October.

While machinery is available to plant the shrubs, Dixon explains there’s big benefits to handplanting some of them too.

Dixon says getting community support for the project is also very helpful.