2005 Watersheds
Conservation Security Program

Two watersheds in South Dakota were selected for implementing the 2005 Conservation Security Program:  the North Big Sioux Coteau and Vermillion Watersheds.

The 2005 selected watersheds in South Dakota have a combined estimate of 3,500 farms with an estimated of 1,951,000 acres.  Watersheds may have their own suite of available payments, practices, and enhancement activities specific to the natural resources within the watershed.  As these watershed specific components are developed, they will be posted to this web site.
Additionally, application periods and sign-up criteria will be posted as soon as announced by the Secretary of Agriculture.

North Big Sioux Coteau Watershed

U.S. Geological Survey Cataloging Unit:  10160010
EPA Surf Your Watershed web page for North Big Sioux Coteau Watershed

The total estimated area in the watershed is 796,576 acres and it covers parts of Day, Clark, Codington, Grant, Marshall, and Roberts Counties.  The land uses in this watershed consist of cropland (about 257,000 acres) and pastureland and rangeland (about 226,000 acres).  The topography ranges from this area of the state in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region with many wetlands and glacial lakes.  Primary crops include corn and soybeans.  Other crops include wheat and alfalfa.  Ranches are mostly cow/calf production operations.  Much of the pasture and rangeland is improved pasture with grass species such as brome.  About 83,000 acres in the North Big Sioux Coteau Watershed is developed.

North Big Sioux Coteau Watershed Stewardship Rates

Third Resource Concern

The North Big Sioux Coteau Watershed has identified Noxious Weeds as the third resource concern for participation in Tier II contracts.

County Contacts

Vermillion Watershed

The total estimated area in the watershed is 1,426,400 acres and it covers parts of Kingsbury, Miner, Lake, McCook, Minnehaha, Hutchinson, Turner, Lincoln, Yankton, Clay, and Union Counties in Southeastern South Dakota.  The land uses in this watershed consist of cropland (about 1,108,000 acres) and pastureland and rangeland (about 196,300 acres).  The topography ranges from nearly level to gently rolling with many depressions and ill-defined drainages.  Steeper slopes are on the sides of drainageways and in breaks adjacent to some of the larger tributaries.  Primary crops include corn and soybeans.  Other crops include alfalfa and small grains.  Ranches are mostly cow/calf production operations.  Much of the pasture and rangeland is improved pasture with grass species such as brome.  About 102,500 acres in the Vermillion Watershed is developed.

Vermillion Watershed Stewardship Rates

Third Resource Concern

The Vermillion Watershed has identified Noxious Weeds as the third resource concern for participation in Tier II contracts.

County Contacts

For General and Application Information, visit our CSP home page.

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