Project to support locally led farmer-rancher-forester initiatives by building conservation districts and partners technical capacity to assist local field offices, focusing on ecological sciences,…

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded a $664,714 Cooperative Agreement to the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, Inc., effective October 1, 2025 through September 28, 2028, under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902). This award supports locally led farmer-rancher-forester conservation initiatives by building technical capacity among conservation districts and partner organizations across South Dakota. The agreement emphasizes strengthening expertise in ecological sciences, soil science, and engineering to enable these entities to provide enhanced technical assistance to NRCS local field offices and the landowners they serve.

Through this three-year cooperative agreement, the awardee will deliver capacity-building services, technical assistance, and training programs designed to improve conservation district and partner organization capabilities in delivering conservation planning and implementation support to agricultural producers and forest landowners in South Dakota. The initiative aligns with the Soil and Water Conservation program's broader mission of supporting conservation technical assistance, erosion control, water management, and natural resource stewardship through partnerships with conservation organizations and districts.

Project to support locally led farmer-rancher-forester initiatives by building conservation districts and partners technical capacity to assist local field offices, focusing on ecological sciences, soil and engineering in south dakota