Wildlife
All Wildlife Content
Prairie Pothole Wetlands: Small Basins, Big Impact
The benefits of prairie wetlands extend far beyond wildlife. These wetlands filter pollutants and excess nutrients from agricultural and urban runoff, trap sediment, recharge groundwater, and store floodwater.
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.
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.
The Importance of Fish for Native Freshwater Mussel Reproduction
To reproduce, freshwater mussels rely on fish to carry their young into new areas and disperse them when they are old enough. By conserving suitable fish habitat, it also allows us to indirectly conserve mussels by providing necessary resources for mussels to reproduce.
Using Livestock to Promote Healthy Rangelands
Fact sheet about using livestock to promote healthy rangelands
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.
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.
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.
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.