Natural Resources & Conservation

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

Our Experts

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Allison Dollen

Professional portrait of Jeff Martin

Jeff Martin

Professional portrait of Kaylee Wheeler

Kaylee Wheeler

Professional portrait of Krista Ehlert

Krista Ehlert

Professional portrait of Lora Perkins

Lora Perkins

Professional portrait of Parker Witt

Parker Witt

Professional headshot of Pete Bauman

Pete Bauman

Professional portrait of Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly

View All Experts

Our Programs

Grassland Management School

Northern Plains Water Voice

Prescribed Fire

Range and Soil Judging

Upcoming Events

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Oct 01

Tri-State Drainage Research Forum

The 25th Annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum will bring researchers, producers, conservation professionals, and industry together to explore the latest advances in agricultural drainage and water management on October 1 at Bass Pro Shop (3900 Cabela Dr NW, Owatonna, MN 55060).

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Oct 07

Eastern South Dakota Water Conference

The Eastern South Dakota Water Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center (631 22nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006).

Related Topics

Conservation, Grassland, Soil Health, Wildlife, Grassland Fire

Related Content

a field in the fall with a small ditch with water flowing through it

25th annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum brings latest research to Owatonna, Minnesota

August 24, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites the public to the 25th annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum this fall in Minnesota.

Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond
Oct 01

Tri-State Drainage Research Forum

The 25th Annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum will bring researchers, producers, conservation professionals, and industry together to explore the latest advances in agricultural drainage and water management on October 1 at Bass Pro Shop (3900 Cabela Dr NW, Owatonna, MN 55060).

Algal bloom on a South Dakota lake

Beach Closings and Harmful Algal Blooms

Recently, the City of Mitchell issued a swimming advisory and public beach closing effective July 31, 2026. The reason for this was due to an elevated concentration of microcystin in the lake due to a harmful algal bloom (HAB).