Crowdsourcing for Habitat Solutions

In 2019, GFP asked citizens how they would improve habitat in South Dakota and the call was answered. GFP received over a thousand ideas from individuals passionate about habitat and ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy the natural resources we have today.

After reading and evaluating each idea, GFP ultimately selected three ideas to implement across the state.

Habitat Day

Habitat is critical to wildlife populations and everyone who enjoys our natural resources. A day dedicated to habitat will raise awareness of its importance for everyone in South Dakota and present the perfect opportunity to dedicate time to habitat improvements.

This celebration of habitat began in September at the South Dakota State Fair. Our first Habitat Day included the announcement of additional habitat activities and panel discussions on what quality habitat means to South Dakota.

Habitat Awards Program

Habitat is a team effort and everyone across the state from landowners, producers, non-governmental conservation organizations (NGOs) and outdoor enthusiasts are all critical components of this team. The Second Century Habitat Fund will take nominations and select winners who make outstanding contributions to habitat improvements, conservation and public land access.

The Habitat Steward of the Year will recognize a South Dakota landowner who provides an outstanding example of pheasant habitat development and conservation while promoting awareness to sustain South Dakota’s strong outdoor heritage of pheasant hunting for current and future generations. Nominations will be accepted until August 1, 2023. The winner will be announced at the 2021 South Dakota State Fair and receive a monetary award to make habitat development improvements on their land. 

Winners

Winning submissions came from Ted Haeder of Wolsey, Craig Pugsley of Rapid City, Andrew Quintana of Mound City, Gordon Heber from Sioux Falls and Alisa Miller from Yankton.

Winners received their choice of an annual park entrance license or an annual small game or angling license.

GFP is excited to celebrate habitat with all of South Dakota and thanks everyone who took the time to submit their ideas on how to improve habitat across the state.