Every year the Fall River Conservation District works with The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA), in cooperation with Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of South Dakota, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts. We are seeking entrants for the 2010 Resource Conservation Speech Contest. The contest theme this year is “Urban and Rural Conservation Cooperation.” All South Dakota students in grades 9-12 are eligible to compete for $2,300 in higher education scholarships, provided by the East River and Rushmore Electric power cooperatives and South Dakota Rural Electric Association.

Five place winners will be selected at the state level, with scholarships awarded to the top three finalists: first place is $1,100; second place is $750; and third place is $450.

All contestants participate in contests coordinated by local conservation districts. Local winners will receive savings bonds and advance to area contests held in seven locations. The top area speakers compete April 17, 2010, at the state finals in Pierre.

For more information on the 2010 Resource Conservation Speech Contest use the links provided below, contact your local conservation district, or call Pam Bergstrom, Natural Resources Specialist for SDDA, at 605-773-6690 or 800-228-5254.