FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2026 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben Koisti, Ben.Koisti@state.sd.us 

 

DANR Recognized as South Dakota Pheasants Forever Partner of the Year  

 

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has been recognized as South Dakota Pheasants Forever Partner of the Year. Pheasants Forever commended the Department’s commitment to conservation management practices. 

 

“This recognition reflects the power of collaboration and shared conservation goals,” said DANR Secretary Roberts. “By working alongside landowners and conservation partners, the Riparian Buffer Initiative has delivered lasting results that benefit agriculture, wildlife, and most importantly our water resources.” 

 

Launched in 2021, the Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI) has protected 210 miles of shoreline and streambank statewide through intentionally placed native grass buffers that reduce runoff, stabilize streambanks, and promote best management practices on working lands. 

 

“The conservation impact of riparian buffers is threefold: they protect land from erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat simultaneously,” said Nick Goehring of Pheasants Forever. “Thank you to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for their continued efforts to steward and conserve South Dakota’s water resources.” 

 

As a result of the RBI effort, the Department has helped prevent an estimated 45,733 pounds of nitrogen, 5,000 pounds of phosphorus, and 234 tons of sediment from entering South Dakota’s waterways, significantly improving water quality while enhancing habitat for pheasants and other wildlife. 

 

A photo from the award ceremony can be found here. 

 

For more information about the Riparian Buffer Initiative, please visit the Department’s website. 

 

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