Native warm season grass and forb plantings (NWSG) offer important habitat for pheasants, grouse and many other ground-nesting birds. Diverse mixtures of native grasses and forbs provide high quality winter cover for pheasants and other resident wildlife.  Native broadleaves and legumes attract large numbers of insects that pheasant broods depend on in the first weeks of life.  NWSG also serves a host of other purposes for wildlife including, brood-rearing, nesting, roosting, loafing, and escape cover.

SD GFP will cost share 100% of the seed and planting costs for NWSG establishment.  A 10 year commitment is required by the cooperator to keep the grass seeding intact and undisturbed.
This project will establish or enhance NWSG plots 10 to 160 acres in size by seeding or inter-seeding. Seeding rates must fall in with the NRCS recommendations. All areas are to be protected from livestock use and their effects. Mowing and use of herbicides are only permitted for the controlling of weeds and are restricted to spot applications of 10% or less of the site.
Payments will be made upon project completion.  South Dakota law (SDCL 41-2-23) requires that reasonable public hunting shall be provided when habitat management funds are expended on private lands.

Common Species include:

                                 WPP Guidelines at a Glance Handout (PDF)