The Shannon County Conservation District was established in 1954. The conservation district encompasses all of Shannon County and is entirely within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Located in southwestern South Dakota, Shannon County borders Nebraska on the south, and covers an area of 1,344,000 acres. The Badlands, the breaks of the Cheyenne River and White River form a varied landscape in the northern portion of the county, the Nebraska Sandhills cross into the southeastern section and the remainder of the county is gently rolling to rolling. Deer, antelope, elk, turkey, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie dogs and other species provide a diversity of hunting and sporting activities. Limited fishing opportunities are available. The District’s headquarters are located in Martin, SD.

The area receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 14 inches. Livestock ranching is the main agricultural enterprise. Wheat farming is important in the southeastern part of the county. Except for Barren Badlands, the rest of the county is used for grazing and haying. Area producers have implemented conservation practices and projects to control wind and water erosion and also to supply water for livestock.

The mission of Shannon County Conservation District is to encourage and assist all people maintain and improve environmental qualities through the wise use of natural resources.