The tallgrass prairie is widely considered one of North America’s most threatened ecosystems. Less than 4% of this globally unique grassland remains intact. Over 100 species of butterflies, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, 50 species of mammals, and 250 bird species are known to breed in or use the tallgrass prairies of the Dakotas. The South Dakota Partners Program has made tallgrass prairie restoration, enhancement, and protection one of its highest priorities.

We recently joined with a host of local partners to initiate a 3-year, $500,000 effort to accelerate tallgrass prairie conservation throughout northeastern South Dakota. The primary goal of the project is to benefit both wildlife and livestock by working with ranchers to restore and enhance grasslands. Accomplishment estimates for this cooperative effort include over 7,000 acres of beneficial grazing systems, over 1,300 acres of restored grasslands, and 35 wetland developments. This project will focus on the mutual goals shared by wildlife conservation interests and family ranchers-- a shared vision of sustainable grassland management and tallgrass prairie conservation for future generations.