The Goal:

The goal is to improve wildlife habitat in the Lake Thompson Watershed
and help reduce floodflows and peaks downstream in the Vermillion River.

Management Actions: Restore drained wetlands Protect existing wetlands Plant cover on steep erodible slopes Rotate cattle for improved range management Create new on-farm water storage Habitat Conservation Tools Wetland/Grassland Easements Private Lands Agreements Waterfowl Production Areas Game Production Areas Conservation Easements

Fish and Wildlife Service Wetland/Grassland Easement

A Fish and Wildlife Service paid perpetual easement that protects privately-owned wetland and adjacent native prairie. Easements are bought from willing sellers with County Commissioners' and Governor's concurrence. Easements are purchased with "Duck Stamp" funds.

Fish and Wildlife Service/South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Private Lands Agreement

A Fish and Wildlife Service or South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks 10 to 30-year land use agreement to develop private land wildlife habitat--on a landowner's terms. Habitat developments are paid for through state-federal-private funding partnerships.

Fish and Wildlife Service Waterfowl Production Area

Wetlands and adjacent upland habitat bought from a willing seller with County Commissioners' and Governor's concurrent. Money from "Duck Stamp" sales pays for the land purchase.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Game Production Area

State owned and managed wildlife land.

Farm Service Administration Conservation Easement

U.S. Department of Agriculture perpetual conservation easement that lowers property debt -- and provides wildlife habitat.