South Dakota
Cost Share Opportunities and Options
Audubon
Audubon Conservation Ranching
This certification-based program focuses on grassland management, monitoring, and marketing. Certified ranches become eligible for market-based conservation incentives. The program supports rotational grazing, woody encroachment management, and prescribed fire, with financial assistance primarily targeted to western South Dakota.
Payment Rate
Market-based incentives and targeted financial assistance. Funding varies by practice.
Contact Information
Joshua Lefers
Phone: 605-770-2989
Email: joshua.lefers@audubon.org
Cody Grewing
Phone: 712-490-6720
Email: cody.grewing@audubon.org
Website
Conservation Technology Information Center
Farmers for Soil Health
Farmers for Soil Health is a three-year incentive program designed to expand cover crop adoption on acres with corn and/or soybeans in rotation. Compliance with NRCS 340 cover crop standards is required, and technical assistance is provided for seeding rates, timing, and mixes. Outreach and support are available in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Participation cannot be stacked with other USDA programs for the same practice.
Payment Rates
Total payment of $50 per acre over three years.
Year 1: $25 per acre
Year 2: $15 per acre
Year 3: $10 per acre
Contact Information
Julia Gerlach, Soil Health Specialist
Phone: 414-394-9973
Email: gerlach@ctic.org
Ryan Heiniger, Executive Director
Phone: 319-768-8348
Email: heiniger@ctic.org
Website
https://farmersforsoilhealth.com
Ducks Unlimited
Working Lands Conservation
Ducks Unlimited’s working land programs emphasize the restoration, enhancement, and retention of wetlands and grasslands. DU manages several grants for funding sources that emphasize conservation practices such as grassland/wetland restoration, livestock grazing systems on grasslands and croplands, and soil health practices. Reach out to your local biologist or agronomist on the website to request a consultation or more information.
Contact Information
Bruce Toay
Manager of Conservation Programs
Phone: 605-380-0684
Email: btoay@ducks.org
Website
https://conservesd.org/wp-content/uploads/GPRO_SouthDakota_2024.pdf
Working Grasslands Partnership
This program incentivizes planting marginally productive cropland back to grass, emphasizing working lands and long-term agricultural use. Incentive payments are provided during grass establishment, and haying or grazing is allowed beginning in year four through year ten. Livestock grazing infrastructure, including fencing and water development, is supported. Contracts last 10 years.
Payment Rates
Annual grass establishment deferral payment for the first three growing seasons, based on the county average CRP rental rate.
Additional assistance may be available for grazing infrastructure.
Contact Information
Fill out the form at tinyurl.com/WGP-RCPP and a partner will contact you.
Farm Service Agency
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
CRP is a voluntary USDA program that removes environmentally sensitive agricultural land from production and establishes long-term conservation cover. It improves soil erosion control, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Enrollment options include General CRP, Grassland CRP, Continuous CRP, SAFE, CLEAR30, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and Farmable Wetlands. Contracts are administered by FSA, with technical support from NRCS, state agencies, conservation districts, and approved partners.
Payment Rates
Annual rental payments.
Cost share assistance for establishment.
Contract lengths are typically 10 to 15 years.
Contact Information
Contact your local Farm Service Agency office for more details.
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices
Website
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs?assistance_type%5B0%5D=12
Mule Deer Foundation
Private Lands Program
The Private Lands Program supports grazing infrastructure and management improvements, including virtual fencing and alternative grazing strategies. The program also funds replacement of degraded or obsolete fencing with wildlife-friendly fencing, as well as grazing management planning, regenerative grazing practices, wildlife habitat and ecosystem restoration, riparian restoration and protection, strategic wildlife crossings, and invasive species control. Wildlife-focused water developments in arid or seasonal habitats are also supported.
Payment Rates
No funding cap. Funding is pooled from multiple organizations.
Contact Information
Casey Nordine, Dakota Grasslands Habitat Partnership Coordinator
Phone: 605-209-6804
Email: casey@muledeer.org
National Center for Appropriate Technology
Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership
The Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership supports the adoption of climate-smart practices for fiber producers, including those working with wool, alpaca, and cotton systems. Participants receive technical assistance and incentive payments to encourage sustainable production methods.
Payment Rates
Payments generally follow EQIP cost share rates.
Standard cost share is set at 75 percent.
Enhanced cost share of 90 percent is available for eligible producers and practices.
Contact Information
Alisha Horak, SD Senior Conservation Planner
Phone: 406-533-6653
Email: alishah@ncat.org
Website
https://www.ncat.org/agriculture/improving-wool-quality/
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
The Conservation Stewardship Program rewards producers who maintain existing conservation practices and implement additional enhancements on working lands. The program encourages long-term stewardship and continual improvement.
Payment Rates
Annual stewardship payments are provided.
Contracts last five years with minimum annual payment thresholds.
Contact Information
Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office for more details.
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/south-dakota
Website
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for addressing natural resource concerns such as soil, water, air quality, and wildlife habitat. The program is designed to support a wide range of conservation practices.
Payment Rates
Typically, EQIP offers a 50 to 60 percent cost share.
Rates depend on the conservation practices implemented.
Contact Information
Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office for more details.
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/south-dakota
Website
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives
Great Plains Grassland Initiative
This initiative targets areas at greatest risk of woody plant encroachment in South Dakota. Supported practices include prescribed burning, prescribed grazing, brush management, and related conservation methods. Goals are to improve livestock production, reduce wildfire risk, and protect grassland biodiversity.
Payment Rates
Funding is project-based.
Contact Information
Jennifer Wurtz, EQIP Program Coordinator
Phone: 605-352-1225
Email: jennifer.wurtz@usda.gov
Jessica Michalski, Acting Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
Phone: 605-352-1234
Email: jessica.michalski@usda.gov
South Dakota Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW)
The WLFW program focuses on conserving working rangelands while addressing priority wildlife and habitat concerns. Emphasis is placed on reducing woody plant encroachment and improving grassland resilience.
Payment Rates
Funding is based on project specifics.
Contact Information
Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office for more details.
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/south-dakota
Website
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/working-lands-for-wildlife
Northern Great Plains Joint Venture
Northern Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (N-GRIP)
N-GRIP restores and enhances grasslands through reseeding, grazing infrastructure, and management practices that benefit producers and grassland wildlife.
Payment Rates
50 percent cost share.
In-kind landowner contributions are eligible.
Contact Information
Erin Fairbank
Phone: 406-836-1922
Email: efairbank@ducks.org
Catherine Wightman
Phone: 406-599-7384
Email: cwightman@ducks.org
Website
https://ngpjv.org/conservation-in-action/n-grip/
Pheasants Forever
Public Access to Habitat (P.A.T.H.)
P.A.T.H. encourages enrollment of private land into public access across South Dakota, working in conjunction with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Walk In Area program. The initiative provides additional financial incentives for wildlife habitat open to public access and was launched in 2023.
Payment Rates
Undisturbed habitat receives a one-time payment of $25 per acre from P.A.T.H.
Additional incentives and annual payments are provided through SD Game, Fish and Parks.
Working lands with hunting access are eligible.
Payment rates for working lands are determined at application by the P.A.T.H. review committee.
Contact Information
Matt Gottlob, SD State Coordinator
Phone: 605-421-8821
Email: mgottlob@pheasantsforever.org
Tom Zinter, SD Farm Bill Program Manager
Phone: 605-216-0104
Email: tzinter@pheasantsforever.org
Second Century Habitat Fund
Working Lands Habitat Program
This program targets marginal cropland for conversion to grassland using free seed mixes, improving wildlife habitat and livestock forage. Payment rates vary based on contract length and location.
Payment Rates
West River counties: $150 per acre for a 5-year contract, $450 per acre for a 10-year contract.
East River counties (including Tripp, Lyman, and Gregory): $250 per acre for 5 years, $750 per acre for 10 years.
Contact Information
Liz Kierl
Phone: 402-322-1817
Email: director@sdhabitatfund.com
Soil and Water Outcomes Fund
Soil and Water Outcomes Fund
The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund provide financial incentives based on environmental outcomes from conservation practices, such as reduced tillage, cover crops, and extended crop rotations. Since 2020, the fund has enrolled over 540,000 acres and paid more than $17.5 million. Average participant earnings were $33 per acre in 2023, and enrollment areas have expanded.
Payment Rates
Payment offers are provided prior to contract signing.
Payments are made in two installments: 50 percent prior to verification, 50 percent after verification.
Final payment is guaranteed if contract practices are implemented.
Some dual enrollments with other programs may be possible, determined at the field level.
Contact Information
Katie Nelson
Email: katie@agoutcomes.com
Connor Kriegshauser
Email: connor@agoutcomes.com
South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks Programs
Cooperative Management Areas (COOP)
Cooperative Management Areas offer public hunting access on private lands with limited vehicle entry, focusing mainly on waterfowl opportunities. These arrangements help maintain habitat while allowing controlled recreational use.
Payment Rates
Payments range from $1.25 to $3 per acre, depending on access and habitat quality.
Signing incentives may be available for multi-year contracts.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish & Parks or find contact info for your area here. https://gfp.sd.gov/images/Reference_Maps/StaffMaps/LandownerProgram.pdf
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Controlled Hunter Access Program (CHAP)
CHAP provides managed public hunting access on private land through permission slips or an online reservation system overseen by the landowner. This approach balances conservation with recreational opportunities.
Payment Rates
$20 per hunter day for properties under 1,000 acres.
Properties over 1,000 acres receive an additional $250 annual payment.
Minimum payment of $500; maximum payment of $12,000.
Signing bonuses are available for multi-year contracts.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish & Parks or find contact info for your area here. https://gfp.sd.gov/images/Reference_Maps/StaffMaps/LandownerProgram.pdf
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Elk Habitat Access Program
This program pairs elk hunters with private landowners in units where elk spend significant time on private land, managing hunting pressure while increasing success rates. Properties are not listed on public maps and are not open to general public hunting; landowners control access timing to prevent elk from being pressured off the property. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks coordinate hunter placement.
Payment
Landowners receive an access fee for participating.
Additional incentive payments are made for each elk harvested on the property.
Payments encourage active hunter use and successful harvest during the season.
Access and Management
Access is scheduled directly by landowners.
Hunting pressure is intentionally limited and managed.
The program focuses exclusively on elk.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish & Parks or find contact info for your area here. https://gfp.sd.gov/images/Reference_Maps/StaffMaps/LandownerProgram.pdf
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Walk In Area Program
The Walk In Area Program provides public hunting access on private lands through season-long or delayed opening contracts, supporting both wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
Payment Rates
Base access payments are provided per acre.
Bonus payments are available for undisturbed permanent habitat.
Signing bonuses are offered for multi-year contracts.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish & Parks or find contact info for your area here. https://gfp.sd.gov/images/Reference_Maps/StaffMaps/LandownerProgram.pdf
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Private Lands Habitat Program – Brood and Pollinator Plots
This program helps establish native perennial habitats for wildlife broods and pollinators, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Payment Rates
Up to 100 percent reimbursement for seed costs, usually capped per acre.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish, &Parks Private Lands Habitat Biologist.
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Private Lands Habitat Program – Riparian Habitat Enhancement Program
Focused on protecting and enhancing riparian areas, this program supports livestock exclusion and habitat improvement. Eligible practices include exclusion fencing, alternative livestock water sources, and riparian shrub clump planting. Buffer widths range from a minimum of 35 feet to a maximum average of 240 feet, with flexibility for landscape contours. No grazing is permitted for the first five years; grazing after year five requires approval.
Payment
One-time rental payment equal to 75 percent per year of the county NASS pasture rate.
Contracts last 10 years.
Cost share is available for exclusion fencing and alternative water sources.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish, &Parks Private Lands Habitat Biologist.
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Private Lands Habitat Program Woody Habitat
This program supports the establishment of shelterbelts, riparian shrub plantings, and native woody habitats to enhance wildlife cover and landscape resilience.
Payment Rates
75 percent cost share for most projects.
Funding ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on the practice.
100 percent reimbursement if enrolled in public hunting access for five or more years.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish, &Parks Private Lands Habitat Biologist.
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Private Lands Habitat Program – Grassland and Grazing Management Practices
This initiative enhances grazing management and plant community health on working grasslands. It includes cost-shared conservation practices such as fencing, water development, grassland establishment, wetland restoration, riparian pastures, habitat exclusion fencing, and wildlife-friendly fence replacements. Additional incentives may be available for acres enrolled in public hunting access programs.
Payment Rates
Cost-shared conservation practices are offered.
Additional incentive payments are available when combined with public hunting access enrollment.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish, &Parks Private Lands Habitat Biologist.
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Private Lands Habitat Program Food Plots
This program establishes standing food plots for wildlife that remain unharvested through winter, providing essential habitat and food resources.
Payment Rates
$20 per acre annual payment.
$80 per acre if enrolled in a public hunting access program.
Free seed provided by GFP.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish, &Parks Private Lands Habitat Biologist.
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
Private Lands Habitat Program Grassland Establishment
This program supports the establishment of native grass and forb plantings, improving long-term wildlife habitat and ecosystem health.
Payment Rates
100 percent seed reimbursement.
Up to $125 per acre.
Additional incentives are available with public access enrollment.
Contact Information
Contact your area SD Game, Fish, &Parks Private Lands Habitat Biologist.
Website
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/landowner-programs/
South Dakota Soil Health Coalition
Soil Health Improvement and Planning Project
This project provides technical assistance and cost share for soil health and grazing practices, including cover crops, no-till, cropland grazing, pollinator plantings, and riparian forage and biomass plantings. Support is available for fencing, perennial planting, and stock water improvements for pasture grazing. Staff assist landowners in identifying additional conservation funding opportunities.
Payment Rates
Cost share is available. Funding amounts vary by practice and project.
Contact Information
Baylee Lukonen, Soil Health Technician
Phone: 701-640-8827
Email: baylee.soilhealth@sdconservation.net
Cindy Zenk, Executive Director
Phone: 605-280-4190
Email: cindy.soilhealth@sdconservation.net
Website
https://www.sdsoilhealthcoalition.org/319-program/
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
South Dakota Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
This program supports wetland restoration, grassland enhancement, and grassland restoration. Wetland restoration focuses on prairie pothole hydrology, while grassland enhancement uses managed grazing plans with added water and fencing. Restoration involves seeding cropland back to diverse native grass and forb mixes, benefiting pollinators, grassland birds, and livestock production.
Payment Rates
Funding is project-based.
Contact Information
Chuck Pyle
Phone: 605-697-2500
Email: chuck_pyle@fws.gov
Jennifer Briggs
Phone: 605-222-0186
Email: jennifer_briggs@fws.gov
Website
https://www.fws.gov/program/partners-fish-and-wildlife
World Wildlife Fund
Ranch Systems and Viability Planning (RSVP)
RSVP supports ranch planning and on-the-ground improvements to enhance long-term ranch viability. Eligible activities include water developments, fencing, beaver dam analogs, grazing plans, and related infrastructure.
Payment Rates
Up to 50 percent of total project costs not covered by the rancher or partners.
Maximum funding is $60,000 per ranch.
Contact Information
Alexis Bonogofsky
Email: alexis.bonogofsky@wwfus.org