Wildlife

All Wildlife Content

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.

Private Applicator Endorsements for M-44 Devices, Fumigants, and Aerial Applications

Recent changes to South Dakota private applicator pesticide regulations have impacted the requirements to use M-44 predator-control devices, fumigants, and to apply pesticides from aerial vehicles.

Small flock of sheep grazing in a pasture.

Using Livestock to Promote Healthy Rangelands

Fact sheet about using livestock to promote healthy rangelands

Healthy, well-managed grassland with a variety of native plants and grasses.

Understanding Grassland Terminology

Before learning the best practices of grassland management, it's important to know some of the common terminology used in the land management and conservation arena.

A blooming prairie strip with a variety of grasses and wildflowers growing throughout.

Using Prairie Strips To Protect South Dakota Water

Prairie strips are a new continuous Conservation Reserve Program practice that integrates native prairie plantings oriented linearly within a row crop field to reduce soil erosion and runoff.

Grassland Management Do’s and Don’ts

This article is intended to address the variety of questions we receive related to establishing, re-establishing and maintaining grass-based plantings for grazing, hay, wildlife and recreation.

Several bales of fresh-cut hay in a pasture.

Haying and Mowing/Clipping

While grazing is the primary means of harvesting the majority of South Dakota’s native grasslands, haying also plays an important role in native and tame grassland management.

Canada thistle growing throughout a pasture in western South Dakota.

Invasive Species Management in Grasslands

Once invaded, grasslands can shift dramatically toward dominance of exotic species and require an integrated approach to species control that considers all tools, such as mechanical (cutting, burning), cultural (grazing) or chemical alternatives.

Grassland with a large amount of dried brush and fuel for burning.

Removing Young Trees From Grasslands Will Save Money and Effort

Volunteer trees can hinder the development of desirable wildlife habitat and livestock resources. Early control of volunteer woody species is the simplest and most cost-effective option for maintaining open grassland habitats.

Former cropland replanted with a variety of grasses and broadleaf plants.

Replanting Cropland Back to Grassland

Planting cropland back to grassland takes some planning regarding previous herbicide use, soil fertility and seed bed preparation. The first step is to identify what resources are currently available to help you reach your objectives and what problems may need to be addressed.