Second Century Habitat Fund Recognizes Partners in Conservation

PIERRE, SD - November 2, 2026 - The Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF) was recently selected for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which will support nearly $8 million in grassland restoration. A major reason for this selection was the contributions by SCHF’s conservation partners.

“Grassland restoration is a team effort, and we have a very strong team here in South Dakota,” said Elysabeth Kierl, Executive Director of Second Century Habitat Fund. “We are fortunate to have support all the way from Governor Rhoden to the producers in the field every day.”

SCHF recognizes the conservation, agricultural, financial, and insurance partners whose commitments helped shape the Working Lands Grassland Recovery Initiative. Together, these partners will help producers evaluate the financial performance of marginal acres, consider grassland alternatives, and establish productive forage and wildlife habitat. Their contributions connect conservation expertise with practical business planning, helping farm and ranch families make informed decisions that support the long-term viability of their operations.

“Our partners understand that conservation has to make financial and practical sense for the families working the land,” said Sal Roseland, SCHF’s Partnership Services Coordinator. “Their expertise will help producers explore how grassland restoration can provide forage, support livestock production, and fit their long-term business goals. We couldn’t bring this opportunity to producers without them.”

SCHF Partners named in the proposal include:

• South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
• Northern Great Plains Joint Venture
• Millborn Seeds
• EcoMetrics LLC
• Ducks Unlimited
• South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association
• Dacotah Bank
• First National Bank in Philip and Faith
• BankNorth
• The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
• Plains Commerce Bank
• Heartland State Bank
• Farmers and Merchants Branch of First National Bank
• Black Hills Community Bank
• Brittney Schiefelbein Agency, LLC
• DFS Insurance

“Our grasslands support wildlife, livestock production, healthy soils, and clean water,” explained SCHF president Bruce Cull. “Nationwide these acres are disappearing, and we’re addressing that in South Dakota.”

World Wildlife Fund’s Plowprint analysis reports that approximately 104,000 acres of grassland in the state were converted to cropland in 2022 alone. Nationally, the 2025 State of the Birds report documents a 43% decline in grassland bird populations since 1970.

“The challenges also extend to livestock production,” said SD GFP Secretary Kevin Robling. “Establishing additional acres for managed haying and grazing can expand available forage and help producers both retain cattle or rebuild herds when conditions allow.”

SCHF is leading South Dakota’s effort to strengthen grasslands across the state. Individuals interested in learning more or supporting this effort are encouraged to visit sdhabitatfund.com for more information.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re even more excited about what we have the potential to do,” concluded Roseland. “All of this is because of the incredible partners we have across the state.”

About the Second Century Habitat Fund

The Second Century Habitat Fund, Inc. is a South Dakota nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to habitat stewardship, community partnerships, and conservation leadership. SCHF works with private landowners and conservation partners to restore and retain wildlife habitat, support working lands, and preserve South Dakota’s outdoor heritage for future generations.

Conservation. By Us. For Them.

Media Contact:
Elysabeth Kierl, Executive Director
Second Century Habitat Fund, Inc.
director@sdhabitatfund.com | (605) 998-7243
sdhabitatfund.com