ConservationTuesday, November 3
A $7.98 million federal grant aims to turn 7,500 acres of marginal cropland into grassland
The Good Day Sioux Falls team
If you own marginal cropland in South Dakota, watch this one. The Second Century Habitat Fund won a $7.98 million grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Regional Conservation Partnership Program for its Working Lands Grassland Recovery Initiative.
The program aims to convert 7,500 acres through voluntary 10-year agreements with landowners. The Dakota Scout reports the privately owned land will be set aside for wildlife, then become perennial grassland for haying and grazing.
7,500 acresof marginal cropland the program aims to convert to perennial grassland
The land would stay available for managed grazing and hay production.
Source: kotaradio.com
- Grant: $7.98 million from the USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership Program
- Selected: one of 42 projects nationwide
- Partner: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Applications will be reviewed competitively, with priority for strong conservation benefits and ties to existing grasslands. The initiative is expected to launch soon, and the Second Century Habitat Fund will have more information.
Landowners would sign voluntary agreements and may get help with costs
| Part of the deal | What it says |
|---|---|
| Agreement | Voluntary, 10 years |
| Land use | Managed grazing and hay |
| Help offered | Land prep, seed, planting, rent |
Source: kotaradio.com
Sources: The Dakota Scout, kotaradio.com