By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is teaming up with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to support South Dakota ranchers who manage grazing lands.
Through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), livestock producers in western South Dakota can apply for financial assistance between September 10 and October 10, 2025.
This joint effort, called “Building Ranch Resiliency in South Dakota and Nebraska,” aims to help ranchers improve grassland health, protect wildlife, and strengthen the economic future of their operations.
Alexis Bonogofsky, Program Manager of WWF’s Sustainable Ranching Initiative, explains that the project focuses on grazing practices that benefit soil health, grassland bird populations, and overall ranch resilience.
Ranchers who join will receive complete ranch systems planning and support to carry out conservation practices. While not required, additional funding is available for those who enroll in WWF’s ranch systems and viability planning.
This program offers training, cost sharing, ranch monitoring, and peer networking for producers willing to keep their grasslands unconverted for ten years and follow a grazing management plan.
Eligible conservation practices include brush management, herbaceous weed treatment, conservation cover, prescribed burning, fencing, pasture and hay planting, livestock pipelines, prescribed grazing, pumping plants, range planting, heavy use area protection, livestock shelter structures, watering facilities, water wells, upland wildlife habitat management, and structures for wildlife.
The program’s partners include South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Bureau of Land Management, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Millborn Seeds, Northern Great Plains Joint Venture, and South Dakota State University.
By combining resources and expertise, USDA and WWF are helping ranchers restore natural grasslands, support wildlife, and maintain profitable operations.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy, Livestock