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A section of Blue Dog Lake shoreline before and after the implementation of a South Dakota state government program paying for buffer strips to improve water quality. The program covered the Big Sioux River Watershed. Photo courtesy of the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Water quality buffer program grows following $8 million boost from SD lawmakers

By Joshua Haiar of South Dakota Searchlight 07/19/2026

A state program that pays landowners to plant vegetation along streams now has 130 buffer projects spanning 379 miles of…

Land enrolled in the Public Access to Habitat program is recognized with a sign on the property. Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

Acres enrolled in public land access initiative double with 30,000-acre sign-up

By Joshua Haiar of South Dakota Searchlight 07/05/2025

Pheasants Forever has enrolled a new landowner in its Public Access to Habitat program that will open nearly 30,000 new…

New land purchased by the Pickerel Lake Conservancy was previously owned by Stanley and Sadie Ruby. Chekapa Creek, which is the main waterway into the lake, meanders through the property. Photo courtesy of the Pickerel Lake Conservancy.

Pickerel Lake Conservancy buys 80 acres to protect water quality

By Elisa Sand 07/25/2024

The Pickerel Lake Conservancy has purchased 80 acres of land in the Chekapa Creek Watershed to protect the quality of…