PRIVATE LANDS HABITAT PROGRAM
Photo: Chad Switzer, SD Game, Fish & Parks
From the multitude of wildlife species dependent upon its diverse mixture of landscapes to its world-known pheasant hunting opportunities, South Dakota residents recognize these attributes as being an invaluable component to our quality of life and why many of us call this our home. With approximately 80% of the state’s land base under private ownership, private landowners have and will continue to serve as the stewards with the most influence over our habitat conditions and resident and migratory wildlife populations.
Therefore, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (SD GFP) recognizes the value of landowners as essential partners in our goal to complete landscape-level conservation initiatives. Dating back to the mid-1970’s, SD GFP has provided an evolving toolbox of voluntary private land habitat programs to cooperating landowners. These habitat programs have adapted to meet the issues and opportunities offered by the federal Farm Bill programs and the needs of private landowners to establish and enhance wildlife habitat.
The Division of Wildlife’s current private lands habitat efforts are comprised of two sub-programs; 1) Wildlife Partnership Program (WPP), and 2) Wetland and Grassland Habitat Program The WPP portion concentrates on assisting landowners with the development of pheasant habitat, with a large proportion of projects occurring in eastern SD. The Wetland and Grassland Program is utilized state-wide with a focus on waterfowl habitat development. These habitat programs have evolved considerably over time, but have always been designed to complement federal Farm Bill programs.
Private Lands Habitat Programs
** Habitat and Conservation News**
Wetland and Grassland Habitat Program
Federal Farm Bill Conservation Programs
Interested in one of these programs?
Contact a SD GFP Habitat Biologist
Download the Private Lands Habitat and Access Program Strategic Plan