Conservation Resources & Support
Explore Programs & Resources Through DCN
Looking for conservation programs or assistance? The Dakota Conservation Network (DCN) connects landowners, producers, and communities with the resources they need to care for South Dakota’s land, water, and wildlife.
Through DCN you can:
-
Access resources from state, federal, and local partners all in one place.
-
Find program details, application information, and technical support.
-
Connect with conservation districts and partners who understand South Dakota's unique landscapes.
Our Conservation Initiatives
In addition to connecting people with programs through DCN, SDACD leads statewide initiatives that support soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and community conservation.
​
-
Locally Led Conservation – Empowering communities to identify and address their own natural resource concerns through local conservation districts.
​
-
Non-Operator Landowner Resources (NOLO) – Providing tools and information for landowners who rent out farmland or rangeland.
​
-
Where Good Things Grow – A public education campaign highlighting the benefits of conservation for soil, water, wildlife, and people.
These initiatives strengthen South Dakota’s working lands, protect natural resources, and build healthier communities for future generations.
Additional Conservation Resources
Soil & Land Management​
-
South Dakota Soil Health Coalition
-
Helps landowners, farmers, and ranchers improve soil health and productivity. They offer practical guidance, workshops, and resources on topics such as cover crops, soil conservation, and water quality.
-
​
-
Healthy Soils at Home Booklet
-
A free 20-page guide full of practical tips and photos to help you improve soil in your yard, garden, farm, or ranch, based on proven soil health principles.
-
Download your copy here.​​
-
​​​
Grazing & Grasslands​​
-
South Dakota Grassland Coalition
-
Supports ranchers and landowners in protecting and improving grasslands across South Dakota. They offer guidance, networking opportunities, and educational programs to maintain healthy grazing lands, enhance wildlife habitat, and promote sustainable land management for long-term environmental and economic benefits.
-
​
-
South Dakota Grazing Exchange
-
An online tool that helps landowners and livestock producers connect. Find available grazing fields or herds, share information, and coordinate grazing opportunities to support sustainable land and livestock management.
-
​
Networking & Education
-
South Dakota Mentor Network
-
Connects agricultural producers with experienced mentors who share real-world advice on soil health, land management, and conservation practices. This free service helps landowners and operators find solutions, save time and resources, and improve the health of their soil, crops, livestock, and communities.
-
​
-
South Dakota Growing Connections
-
A mobile app that helps producers share information about soil, land management, and livestock, and get advice from experienced mentors to promote healthier soil, crops, livestock, and communities.​
-
https://www.sdsoilhealthcoalition.org/growing-connections-app/
-
​​​