As part of $16 million in grants to 25 states to promote the conservation of threatened and endangered species, least terns and piping plovers in South Dakota will receive protection and conservation from a $37,500 grant to aid in the development of an Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). This plan will protect essential habitat for the plover and tern, reduce conflicts with recreation and development, and benefit other species, including the bald eagle, pallid sturgeon, whooping crane and Eskimo curlew.
"The help of the States and individual landowners in recovering these species is critical, and as with everything in this world, making money available to assist with these actions greatly benefits all parties," said Ralph Morgenweck, Director of the Service
