Conservation

It's been 20 years since the state Ducks Unlimited convention was held in Mitchell. That changes this weekend. Outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists will gather this weekend to discuss wildlife habitat concerns and celebrate South Dakota's duck hunting heritage. The state...

HURON (AP) — South Dakota farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have a month to apply for part of $100 million that's available from the federal government in its Conservation Stewardship Program. People who participate agree to take conservation steps to improve the resource...

About 110 square miles of South Dakota land parcels set aside for conservation could be lost to expiring contracts. Contracts for nearly 70,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program are due to expire later this year. If those contracts are not renewed, it will continue a trend...

HURON — Parkston received another $39,000 for a wastewater sewer project this week. Thursday, the James River Water Development District board of directors approved the $39,000 during its regular meeting at the district's office in Huron. The money will go toward the city of...

By Kevin Burbach SIOUX FALLS (AP) — A work group established by Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Tuesday released recommendations for protecting the state's pheasant population, which include creating a state-run habitat conservation fund that should start with at least $1 million in...

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The U.S Department of Agriculture will provide up to $50 million over the next five years for conservation programs in the Red River Basin in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Democratic Minnesota U.S. Rep. Collin...

The James River Water Development District feels it is drifting too far from its primary purpose, according to a meeting Thursday morning in Mitchell. The group oversees financial assistance for watershed projects near the James River, but its leaders said the group is funding projects...

PIERRE (AP) — Gov. Dennis Daugaard has recognized a South Dakota family for its conservation efforts. Lyle and Garnet Perman, their son Luke and his wife Naomi are the state's recipients of the Leopold Conservation Award. The award comes from the national Sand County Foundation...

PIERRE (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has reappointed four members of the State Conservation Commission. Aaron Kiesz of Aberdeen will represent municipalities on the commission. Charlie Moe of Rosebud and Wayne Bunge of Rapid City will represent the tree industry,...

PIERRE -- Rep. Betty Olson didn't find many takers Monday for her plan to restrict new conservation easements to no longer than 99 years in South Dakota. The state House of Representatives rejected her legislation 51-17. The defeat was worse than two years ago when her 30-year limit...

Pheasant Country, Mitchell's chapter of Pheasants Forever, recently elected its 2014-15 officers, including a re-election of President Dave Allen. The banquet directors are Deb Kuchera, Brad Zimmerman and Justin Morrison. The board of directors consists of Dave Allen, president; Mike...

By South Dakota Ag Connection The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has extended the deadline for new enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program for fiscal year 2014.

Popular farm bill program seeks producer participation.