PIERRE, S.D. -- With many landowners currently making land management decisions on their property, a new Game, Fish and Parks pamphlet titled Conservation Programs for Prairie Pothole Wetlands and Associated Upland Habitats, provides information to those seeking technical and financial assistance for developing, restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat.

The pamphlet provides landowners with a detailed summary of programs delivered by state and federal agencies, non-governmental agencies, joint ventures and other partnerships that provide both technical and financial assistance for wetland and grassland habitat projects.

According to GFP Habitat Biologist Chad Switzer of Huron, the goal of most of these programs is to provide management alternatives to the landowner for marginally productive or environmentally sensitive areas, while keeping much of their property available for working lands.

"South Dakota is fortunate to have a diverse array of natural resources and landscape features, as well as an established network of conservation partners working with private landowners to restore, establish and maintain wildlife habitat," Switzer said. "Working with the Wetland/Grassland Habitat Program administered by GFP, it is apparent that many landowners understand the importance and values of wetland and grassland habitat, not only for wildlife habitat but for the sustainability and success of their own farming and ranching operations."

Many of these programs have been available for several years, and through recent department contacts with many landowners, officials have identified a real need for improved public outreach directed toward landowners.

"Whether it is a wetland in the corner of a field that is difficult to farm, a tract of grassland that could use some improved grazing management or a filter strip adjacent to a wetland or riparian area, one of these programs could be appropriate for many operators, and at the same time, still provide the landowner with economic return," Switzer said.

-GFP