Working Lands Habitat Program

Geographic Scope: All South Dakota cropland eligible

Focus Areas:

• Enroll marginal cropland (saline and moist soils, field edges, other less productive soil types)
• Convert cropland to perennial grass and forb mix for 5 or 10 years
• Enhance wildlife habitat for pheasants and other ground-nesting birds
• Improve livestock forage

Program Details:

• 5-year contract: $150/acre (West River Counties) or $250/acre (East River Counties and Tripp, Lyman, Gregory counties)
• 10-year contract: $450/acre (West River Counties) or $750/acre (East River Counties and Tripp, Lyman, Gregory counties)
• Free seed provided (grass and forb mixes)
• Average enrollment: 60.5 acres per landowner
• 23 new contracts annually
• Over $250,000 invested annually in landowner contracts

Eligibility:

• All cropland in South Dakota
• Participants must not charge any fee for hunting access
• Commercial fee hunting establishments ineligible

What's Provided:

• One-time upfront payment
• Free seed shipped directly to participants
• Technical assistance from Pheasant Forever or SD Game, Fish, and Parks habitat biologists
• Grass or no-till drill available through local Conservation Districts

Management Requirements:

• Participant responsible for seedbed preparation, planting, and weed control
• No haying or grazing until after August 1st of second growing season
• Between August 1 and March 1: can hay 50% of acres annually OR entire acreage every other year
• Hay at 8" or higher to maintain nesting habitat

Hunting Access:

• By landowner permission
• Additional incentive: $10/acre/year (one-time upfront) if enrolled in SD Game, Fish, and Parks Walk-In Area program

Background: Part of Second Century Habitat Fund Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2018. Partnership with South Dakota Game & Fish and other conservation partners.

Contact:

• Executive Director: Elysabeth Kierl (director@sdhabitatfund.com, 402-322-1817)
• Address: 523 E. Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
• Phone: 605-998-SCHF
• Website: sdhabitatfund.com

How to Enroll

1. Contact a Habitat Advisor: Advisors are available across the state to assist in habitat planning and program selection
   • Find an advisor at: habitat advisor map (referenced on website)
   • Or contact Executive Director Elysabeth Kierl
2. Develop Habitat Plan: Work with advisor to design habitat improvements suited to your land
3. Execute Agreement: Sign enrollment agreement with Second Century Habitat Fund
4. Receive Payment: One-time upfront payment distributed upon agreement execution
5. Receive Seed: Free seed shipped directly upon agreement execution
6. Implement:
   • Prepare seedbed
   • Plant using grass/no-till drill (available through local Conservation Districts)
   • Conduct weed control during establishment
7. Manage: Follow management recommendations including haying/grazing restrictions and timing

Required Materials/Information

Website does not specify detailed application materials or forms, but applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Land location and acreage details
• Soil type information
• Contract length preference (5 or 10 years)
• Management plans

Technical Assistance Available

• Pheasant Forever habitat biologists
• SD Game, Fish, and Parks habitat biologists
• Local Conservation Districts
• SCHF Habitat Advisors