• 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

riparian pasture practices

A riparian pasture area is the transitional zone adjacent to streams and rivers where vegetation is strongly influenced by the presence of water. Riparian areas are some of the most productive areas across South Dakota. Healthy riparian areas provide water and shelter for livestock and wildlife. They also filter runoff and capture sediment; improving water quality.

Riparian areas respond relatively quickly to management changes. Those in need of help have limited woody vegetation regeneration (cottonwood, green ash, box elder, wild plum, willow, chokecherry, etc.) and eroded banks with deeply incised channels along seasonal and permanent streams.

• The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will provide up to 75 precent cost share to create a riparian pasture managed to improve woody vegetation regeneration and/or establishment and stabilize stream banks while increasing forage production.
  
  
• Alternative water sources will also be eligible for 50 percent cost-share if the riparian area was the main source of water. Priority will be given to projects where the landowner is interested in managed grazing on the adjacent uplands as well.

• For landowners interested in removing livestock from riparian areas, GFP’s Riparian Habitat Enhancement Program (RHEP) offers a one-time payment and fence and water infrastructure cost share to accomplish this transition.

Cooperating landowners are responsible for the installation and maintenance of fencing projects.

For more information, please contact a GFP habitat biologist.