Conservation

All Conservation Content
Group of youth participants at rangeland and soil days.

South Dakota 4-H students take 2nd place at National Land & Homesite Judging Contest

June 22, 2023

South Dakota students had a strong showing at the National Land and Homesite Judging Contest last month, including a second-place finish for the Spink County 4-H team.

Grassed waterway leading to a large watershed in the distance.

Watershed Disturbances and Change

Watersheds play a critical role in supporting our environment, economy and quality of life. Learn how natural and man-made disturbances can impact their overall health.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

SDSU Extension receives $1 million contribution agreement from NRCS to protect grasslands from invasive trees

June 15, 2023

Trees are taking over the grasslands in the Northern Plains. To meet that threat, SDSU Extension recently received a $1 million contribution agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to combat the spread.

Tom Hausmann gives a briefing before the burn, while Greg Schmitz listens with the rest of the burn crew.

Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn Association: A landowner-led effort along the Missouri River

June 12, 2023

Started in 2016, the Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn Association is a landowner-led effort to combat the spread of trees along the Missouri River corridor in Gregory, Charles Mix, Brule and Lyman counties.

Rangeland and Soil Days attendees observing a grassland area.

39th annual Rangeland and 18th annual Soil Days set for June 14-15 in Watertown

March 20, 2023

SDSU Extension, Codington Conservation District and South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service are hosting Rangeland Days and Soil Days on June 14-15 in Watertown, South Dakota.

Prescribed burn taking place in a pasture.

Fire as a Management Tool

When planned for and implemented appropriately fire is a tool that can have tremendous benefits to your grassland community.

Farmer observing no-till field at sunset.

Carbon Markets and Opportunities for Farmers

There is growing interest in paying farmers for regenerative agricultural practices as a means for sequestering carbon. Learn about some of the benefits and challenges that carbon capture opportunities offer for producers.

Cottonwood Creek on the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.

Western South Dakota Stream Guide now available for landowners, managers

January 24, 2023

A new manual, “Understanding Western South Dakota Prairie Streams” – or the Stream Guide – is now available as a free digital download.

Dry, winter rangeland with minimal snow cover.

Can You Break the Hydro-illogical Cycle?

Regardless of the time of year, it is critical to start thinking about the next drought before we are in it. Learn some key strategies for breaking the Hydro-Illogical Cycle by leveraging drought motioning resources and creating a plan for your operation.

Lake water with intense algae bloom throughout.

Liebig’s Law of the Minimum and Phosphorus in South Dakota Surface Waters

Too much phosphorus in water can lead to increased growth of aquatic plants, algae blooms and fish kills. Learn about some recent research investigating the impact of phosphorus runoff on South Dakota's water resources.