Conservation

All Conservation Content
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).

A group of people listening to a presentation

Balancing economics with resources is theme of 2026 Eastern SD Water Conference

July 29, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and the South Dakota Water Resources Institute at SDSU are excited to announce the theme of the 2026 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference: Balancing Economic Development with South Dakota Water Resources.

Producers surveying a rangeland site.

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.

Redcedar trees in grasslands by the river
Sep 17

Woody Encroachment Field Tour @ Oacoma

SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field tour near Oacoma on September 17 at 5:30 p.m to discuss woody encroachment treatment options.

Redcedar trees in a pasture
Aug 27

Woody Encroachment Field Tour @ Yankton

SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field tour near Yankton on August 27 at 5:30 p.m to discuss woody encroachment treatment options.

Redcedar trees in a pasture
Aug 12

Woody Encroachment Field Tour @ Mitchell

SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field tour near Mitchell on August 12 at 5:30 p.m to discuss woody encroachment treatment options.

Black cattle grazing in a pasture

Conservation, Grazing, and Forage Situation

This report summarizes recent trends in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), harvested hay acreage, and grazing capacity in the United States and South Dakota. The purpose is to give a current picture of conservation enrollment and forage supply.

A group of people listening to a presentation
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).

Lake water with abundant blue-green algae throughout.

What is the “a” in Chlorophyll-a?

Have you ever heard the term "chlorophyll a" used in reference to a lake's blue-green algae content? From type "a" to type "f," learn how different types of chlorophyll impact lakes and aquatic environments.

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

Connecting Nutrition and Conservation: The Importance of CPS 592

Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) 592 is a practical feed management framework that helps producers move toward greater profitability, accountability, and sustainability without sacrificing performance.