South Dakota Second Century Habitat Fund Receives Nearly $8 Million for Statewide Grassland Initiative

PIERRE, SD – The Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF) has been selected to receive $7,979,420 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for its Working Lands Grassland Recovery Initiative. This is a statewide effort to restore grasslands, strengthen agricultural operations, and sustain South Dakota’s outdoor heritage.

Administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the initiative aims to convert 7,500 acres of marginal cropland to diverse perennial grasslands through voluntary, 10-year agreements, keeping enrolled acres productive for managed haying and grazing. This initiative is an opportunity to bolster conservation and agriculture, which is beneficial for producers, sportsmen and women, and the communities that rely on both.

“What’s good for the bird is good for the herd,” said Elysabeth Kierl, executive director of Second Century Habitat Fund. “Healthy grasslands provide nesting cover for birds and forage for cattle. By helping producers establish more productive grassland acres, we give them greater flexibility to retain or rebuild their herds and keep conservation working for their operations.”

Restoring marginal cropland to perennial grass can also reduce erosion, improve soil function and water infiltration, and connect fragmented wildlife habitat. These benefits support long-term health of both agricultural operations and the landscapes that surround them.

The initiative is designed to serve eligible landowners and agricultural producers across South Dakota. SCHF and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks will serve as the primary producer contact, coordinate applications and agreements, administer financial assistance, and work with technical partners to support grassland establishment.

The initiative is designed to help farm and ranch families evaluate whether marginal cropland could better serve their operations as productive grassland. Proposed assistance includes annual rental payments during the initial years of the 10-year agreement and support for seedbed preparation, seed, and planting. Participation is voluntary, land remains privately owned, and enrolled acres remain available for managed haying and grazing consistent with program requirements.

Applications will undergo eligibility review and a competitive ranking process. Proposed considerations include site suitability, restoration benefits, and opportunities to expand or connect existing grasslands.

“Ultimately our goal is to identify acres where conversion can deliver benefits to wildlife while remaining practical for producer’s operations,” explained SCHF president Bruce Cull.

SCHF is currently in the final steps for grant implementation, and interested producers should visit sdhabitatfund.com to learn more about this opportunity and how it could support their operation.