The Northern Great Plains is typically an area of water deficit. In order to maintain the integrity of expansive grasslands, water projects are being developed across western South Dakota. These created wetlands serve multi-purposes; water for wildlife, flood control, erosion control, and water for livestock.

It has been shown that if we lose the livestock producer, we lose the grassland to the plow. By providing shallow water for wildlife, landowners can better manage their livestock and their rangeland ensuring the grassland will stay healthy and intact. Healthy and intact grassland habitat will ensure the survival and proliferation of all indigenous mixed and short grass prairie species.