$100 Million Available for Federal Conservation Program

South Dakota farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have a month to apply for part of $100 million that's available from the federal government in its Conservation Stewardship Program.

People who participate agree to take conservation steps to improve the resource conditions on their land, including soil, air and habitat quality, water quality and quantity, and energy conservation.

This year's effort could include the enrollment of up to 7.7 million acres in the program by private landowners.

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The 2014 Farm Bill gave people more options to meet conservation needs and protect the natural resources on their land.

South Dakotans can also be part of a project focused on creating habitat for the sage grouse and protecting the Ogallala Aquifer.

Applications are due to the National Resources Conservation Service by Feb. 27.

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