Working Grasslands Partnership
Providing financial assistance to ranchers and landowners interested in restoring native grass
Ducks Unlimited and our conservation partners are now accepting applications for South Dakota farmers, ranchers, and landowners interested in returning all or portions of their land to native grass.
Thanks to a $25 million award from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), this initiative aims to convert or restore over 25,000 acres of marginal cropland and degraded land over the next five years.
What the Program Offers
- Annual Incentive Payments During Establishment Period: Landowners receive financial support during the first three years to support native grass establishment and offset income from reduced grazing.
- Technical Assistance: Expert help creating a grass-seeding plan tailored to your land.
- Livestock Infrastructure Resources: Support for building fences, water access, or other grazing needs.
- Management Guidance: Tools and advice to keep your operation productive long-term
Participants commit to a 10-year agreement during which restored native grasses can be grazed or hayed after the establishment period.
“Our goal is to provide new approaches for getting more grass on the landscape, with an emphasis on the recovery of marginal cropland soils.”
— Bruce Toay, DU Manager of Conservation Programs, South Dakota
Program Benefits
Healthier Soils
Stronger root systems improve soil structure and fertility for years to come.
Better forage
Native grasses offer high-quality grazing options for livestock.
Nutrient Retention
Grasses help store atmospheric carbon and reduce nitrogen loss in the soil.
Water Efficiency
Grasslands hold more rainwater, reducing runoff and erosion.
Wildlife Habitat
Migratory waterfowl and other native species thrive in restored grassland areas.
Program Partners
The Working Grasslands partnership is made possible by a coalition of leading conservation and land management organizations working together to restore South Dakota’s grasslands:
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
- Audubon Great Plains
- South Dakota Soil Health Coalition
- South Dakota Grassland Coalition
Together, these partners offer financial support, expert guidance, and on-the-ground resources to ensure your success.
How to Apply
Whether you're ready to apply or just want to explore how this program could support your land goals, the link below will connect you with the application and next steps.
