New NRCS State Conservationist for South Dakota

Effective May 21, Jeff Zimprich will serve as state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota.  The selection, made by NRCS Chief Dave White, ensures continued leadership as the agency works with partners and landowners to apply conservation on the ground.

National Water Quality Initiative

Acting State Conservationist Paul Flynn announced the launch of a new National Water Quality Initiative committed to improving four impaired watersheds in South Dakota. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will manage the initiative by making funds available to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in the selected watersheds.

Through this effort, eligible producers in portions of Skunk Creek watershed, specifically Colton Creek, Buffalo Creek, Jensen Creek, and Willow Creek, will invest in voluntary conservation actions to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities. The selected watersheds were identified with help from state agencies, partners, and the NRCS State Technical Committee.

Two WREP Projects Funded in South Dakota

The Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) is a special project through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) where partners provide matching contributions to fund wetland restorations in high priority areas.  The projects funded in FY12 in SD include areas affected by the 2011 Missouri River flooding and the riparian areas in the East Dakota Water Development District.

Water Bank Program Announced

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White today announced that $7 million in financial assistance will be available to help eligible landowners and operators in three states voluntarily enhance wildlife habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The selected states—Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota—will begin to accept applications on April 20, 2012.  The newly funded Water Bank Program (WBP) provides landowners and operators with an alternative use for their flooded or frequently flooded lands, such as quality wildlife habitat for priority migratory bird species,” White said.

2012 Leopold Award:  Kopriva Family and Governor Daugaard

South Dakotans who owe their livelihoods to the bounty of the land, every day is Earth Day. To help recognize those on the front lines of our state’s conservation efforts, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Grassland Coalition and the Wisconsin-based Sand County Foundation have launched the Leopold Conservation Award. The award, named for renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes farm and ranch families who demonstrate outstanding conservation leadership on their land and in their communities.  This year’s Leopold Award winners are Jim and Karen Kopriva of Clark County. The Koprivas have made conservation a family tradition, and their grassland, water and wildlife habitat management techniques are a clear demonstration that responsible environmental management and successful agricultural operations can readily co-exist. For more information on the Kopriva family’s operation or the many other conservation practices that farmers and ranchers currently employ, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

Rainfall Simulator Shows Importance of Soil Health

Vilsack Announces Process to Resolve Discrimination Claims of Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers

Farmers and ranchers who believe they suffered discrimination when applying for a farm loan have the opportunity to receive compensation. Up to $50,000 is available to those who can demonstrate denial of a loan or loan servicing.