SECOND CENTURY HABITAT FUND INC logo

Working Lands Habitat Program

SECOND CENTURY HABITAT FUND INC

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Agriculture GrantsEnvironmental Conservation GrantsWildlife Grants
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Funding Amount

$150 - $750 per acre (one-time payment depending on contract length and county)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Working Lands Habitat Program

Status: Active program under Governor Noem's Second Century Initiative

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 Apply

    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
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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    agricultureenvironmental-conservationwildlife

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