Does South Dakota need a special conservation fund?

By Mike Moen (Public News Service)

South Dakota relies on certain fee revenue and federal dollars for projects to improve wildlife habitat, including grassland conservation. Now, organizers are looking at other states with more dynamic funding streams and wondering if the same can be done here.

In the past several years, some of South Dakota's neighbors have increased support for habitat work through specialized conservation funds.

Laura Kahler, director of the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative, is part of a coalition floating the idea for the Mount Rushmore State. She hopes the discussions show people such investments do not just benefit a few landowners. Kahler said they reach all South Dakotans.

"Whether that be through improved water quality, whether that be improving tourism and the tourism dollars that come into our state, and just recreational opportunities for our residents," Kahler outlined.

Kahler noted the topic was kicked around about a decade ago but did not move past the research level.

Conservation voices will host a forum on the topic at the 2026 South Dakota Grasslands Summit, scheduled for early March in Mitchell. Kahler pointed out it is too early to say what a specific plan would look like, including where the money would come from.

For grassland restoration, Kahler stressed having more funding flexibility would speak to a key aspect of South Dakota's identity.

"Our state at one point was 97% grasslands," Kahler emphasized. "Our entire system is developed to have these grasslands as part of our watersheds and water systems."

She added when protection is lost, it is easy to see how infrastructure is affected, like flooded roadways.

According to a report from the Center for American Progress, conservation funding is popular with voters, with nearly $9 billion directly approved at the ballot box in 2022. Despite successes, the report's authors said funding levels vary dramatically across states and consistent revenue is elusive in many places.