Written collaboratively by Pete Bauman, Sean Kelly and Alexander Smart.
South Dakota grasslands are renowned for their abundance of ecological, economic, and recreational value. As federal, state, non-government, and privately funded conservation efforts continue to focus on grasslands, the ecology and resources to improve grassland management continues to be researched, developed, and modified. Best management practices, methods and tools must remain fluid as shifts in weather patterns, landscape use, and policies fluctuate over time.
Prescribed burning is considered one of the best management practices to establish, maintain, or restore the diversity, vigor, and habitat value of natural or planted grasslands in South Dakota. Diverse and healthy grasslands provide improved cover for birds, production of insects and pollinators, and overall nesting and brood rearing habitat. Prescribed burning enhances the return on investment from federal, state, and non-government grassland focused conservation programs by encouraging vegetative diversity and vigor resulting in improved stand resiliency and a long-term reduction in general input costs related to chemical or mechanical management of invasive species.
