2023 south dakota consolidated payment grant invasive plants forest stewardship urban and community forestry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service awarded a $577,043 Project Grant under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664) to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), also known as Danr, on August 11, 2023. This 4-year award will support a range of initiatives to advance forest management, conservation, and environmental protection across South Dakota. Key activities include:

Developing genetically improved tree seedlings and distributing them for reforestation efforts; Implementing landscape restoration projects and mitigating threats from invasive species; Promoting sustainable forestry practices and urban forestry programs; Conducting water quality monitoring, air quality assessments, and brownfields remediation under the state's environmental protection mandate. DANR will partner with local entities such as conservation districts and municipalities to execute these grant-funded activities, which align with the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program's objectives of maintaining healthy, productive forest resources on non-federal lands.