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Grassland Fire

All Grassland Fire Content

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.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

Prescribed Fire

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with state and federal partners to educate landowners about the use of fire as a grassland management tool.

Grass buring
Aug 27

Landowner Prescribed Fire Training @ Moody County

SDSU Extension and its partners will host a prescribed fire training tailored for landowners on August 27, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Flandreau Fire Hall (201 S. Wind St., Flandreau, SD 57028).

Grass buring

Prescribed fire schools for SD landowners scheduled for March, April

March 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is partnering with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Great Plains and landowner-led fire cooperatives to host a series of fire training workshops this spring.

Firefighters in yellow protective gear monitor a grass fire in an open pasture

SDSU Extension to co-host prescribed fire forum for private landowners

December 09, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension, Audubon Great Plains and partner organizations are hosting a first-of-its-kind event for private landowners in South Dakota interested in prescribed fire as a management tool.

Photo showing a wildfire recovery on native rangelands.

Range Roundup: Dormant Season Wildfire Project in Northwestern South Dakota

Two of the main environmental conditions that drive post-wildfire rangeland recovery include health of the rangeland ecosystem prior to the wildfire and climatic variables, such as precipitation or drought after the fire event.

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

Range Roundup: Partnership Between Absentee Landowner and Rancher Allows for Pasture Renovation

Properly maintained pastures require ongoing, cooperative and mutually beneficial processes planned by landowners and renters, especially if the owners are absentee. Learn some key considerations for starting the process.

Members of the Burke County Fire Department assisting with a prescribed burn.

Why Should Fire Departments Help With Prescribed Burns?

From establishing fuel breaks that can contain future wildfires to providing valuable training for fire department volunteers, learn some of the many benefits of involving your local fire department in a prescribed burn.

Satellite image of a well-planned prescribed burn unit.

Utilize Targeted Grazing for Firebreaks

Targeted grazing incorporated into an overall rotational grazing plan can be an excellent strategy to reduce an area's available fuel load and create a soft, or green, firebreak.

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.