MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a historic investment of $1.5 billion for 92 partner-driven conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Among the beneficiaries is the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, receiving $1.2 million to develop a Crop Emissions and Sustainability Index aimed at enhancing the economic potential of their tribal lands.

This local project is part of a broader initiative to support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in adopting voluntary, locally led conservation strategies. The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate initiative focuses on cultivating sustainability by integrating innovative practices to improve crop emissions and promote long-term environmental health.

“The Regional Conservation Partnership Program is an example of public-private partnership at its best,” said Tony Sunseri, State Conservationist in South Dakota for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “Thanks to the boost in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, we are able to invest even more in this important program, increasing our conservation impact across the country.”

South Dakota leads the nation with the most accepted applications, securing $82.7 million for six projects. The projects aim to enhance natural resources and address the climate crisis, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships in delivering significant results for agriculture and conservation.

Other South Dakota Projects Include:

  • South Dakota Second Century Habitat Fund Inc.: $11,293,311 for the Second Century Working Lands & Woody Habitat Program.
  • Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance: $4,957,317 for Native Nations Grassland Restoration in the Northern Great Plains.
  • Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever: $24,387,150 to accelerate prescribed fire in South Dakota.
  • The Nature Conservancy: $19,664,000 for conservation projects in South Dakota.
  • Intertribal Buffalo Council: $21,250,000 for Tribal Buffalo Restoration in the Northern Great Plains Region.

These projects are part of the USDA’s efforts to support conservation and climate resilience, funded through the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. Together, they represent the largest investment in climate action and conservation in history. To learn more about these projects and the RCPP, visit usda.gov.