Conservation Matters

Conservation has many definitions, but in South Dakota, it means   protecting, enhancing, and restoring the habitats and wildlife populations that provide numerous ecosystem services to both wildlife and people throughout the state. One of the most visible of these services is the diversity of fish and wildlife that coexist within South Dakota’s native habitats. 

South Dakota is an extremely diverse state with many different habitats, including but not limited to grasslands, wetlands, rivers, forests, open rock/ badlands, and riparian zones. Conserving these habitats supports resilient ecosystems and provides opportunities to enjoy the game and nongame species that thrive here for generations to come.  Every species plays a role in maintaining these habitats, from the ring-necked pheasant to the dung beetle that helps cycle nutrients within a grassland ecosystem.