If Board Can Match, Daugaard Will Give $1M for Conservation

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the state will issue $1 million in state funding for habitat conservation if a group can privately raise the same amount.

The governor issued the challenge last week to the South Dakota Habitat Conservation Board, a volunteer advisory board that he recently established.

The funding pledged by the governor will match the donations to the South Dakota Habitat Conservation Fund. The fund serves as a permanent funding source for wildlife habitat work in the state.

Private donors have contributed $425,000 to the fund in the last year and state government has dedicated $350,000.

The volunteer advisory board needs to raise an additional $1 million in private donations to meet the governor's challenge.

Daugaard says conserving habitat preserves outdoor traditions and enhances the state's wildlife population.

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