The South Dakota Agricultural Land Trust (SDALT) has partnered with a Brule County landowner on a conservation easement in central South Dakota.
“The majority of Larry Wagner’s ranch in southern Brule County was already protected by conservation easements,” said Lyle Perman, SDALT President, Lowry, SD. “Larry’s donation of a conservation easement on 444 acres that were previously unprotected will ensure the entire property will remain a productive agricultural operation that also provides essential breeding habitat for wildlife.”
“When I learned of SDALT and their focus on preserving working lands, it was apparent to me that they were the ideal organization to hold a conservation easement on my property,” Larry Wagner said. “SDALT will help me ensure that the efforts I put into creating a profitable grass-based agricultural operation are sustained into the future.”
In support of the donation of the easement by Wagner, SDALT secured financial assistance for the transaction costs from Ducks Unlimited and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
“We are honored to have been entrusted to hold and steward this conservation easement,” said Perman. “This project demonstrates the important role SDALT can play in assisting landowners who want to preserve the future of agriculture, open spaces, and conservation in our state.”
SDALT was founded by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, South Dakota Grassland Coalition, and South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation to work with landowners to conserve South Dakota’s agricultural heritage and working landscapes for the benefit of future generations.
From left: SDALT President Lyle Perman, landowner Larry Wagner, and SDALT Executive Director Tony Leif