• Grassland Habitat
• Wetland Habitat
• Woody Habitat
• Food Plots
• Pollinator Habitat
• Wildlife Habitat Management
• Hunting Access Programs
• Watershed Protection
• Forestry Programs
• Resource Conservation
• Other Habitat Practices

Habitat resources for landowners

With numerous programs and financial incentives available to farmers and ranchers, the goal of Habitat Pays is to connect them to the appropriate resources. Habitat truly does pay because of opportunities for improved soil health, increased land value and abundant wildlife.

Within this section of the website, landowners will find information as it relates to:

• State programs from the South Dakota Departments of Game, Fish and Parks; Agriculture; and Environment and Natural Resources.
  
  
• Federal programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); primarily those through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.
  
  
  • Federal programs involving cost share, rental payments (CRP) or easements are available.
    
    
• South Dakota Conservation Districts may be able to help with planning and implementing habitat projects. There are 69 Conservation Districts covering the entire state.
  
  
• Other conservation programs (Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, etc.) also provide habitat and conservation programs complimentary to what the state and federal programs provide.

Habitat advisors are here to help along the way. They possess the knowledge of federal, state and local programs (listed in this section under the habitat types to the left) to assist landowners in finding the right program(s) to meet their personal habitat and land use goals. Connect with one in your area today.