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Who We Are
Northern Prairies Land Trust was established in 1999 by a group of individuals dedicated to preserving the wonderful and unique ecosystems of the northern prairies. NPLT was formed as a non-profit corporation under the laws of South Dakota and is authorized to provide land protection and preservation tools to landowners in South Dakota and Nebraska. While Northern Prairies Land Trust is a relative newcomer to the growing list of land trusts, we already hold easements on over 3000 acres, including areas chronicled by Lewis and Clark, and one considered to be the most unique area in Nebraska. We also have many more easements in various stages of completion. We have knowledge and expertise regarding various conservation tools, and act as a referral source for programs offered by private and government organizations.
What We Do
NPLT strives to provide protection for private lands
that are significant for agriculture, ranching, water
resource preservation and enhancement, fish, plant and
wildlife habitat, cultural and historical protection
and open space, and in doing so, promote and enrich
the region's rural communities. The long term goal is
the perpetuation of a life-style and an economy that
rely on responsibly managed land, and the increasingly
valuable prairie spaces that will continue to nourish
the spirit of future generations.
How We Do It
NPLT works with private landowners one-on-one to provide
long-term, legally sound conservation strategies to
protect the natural and economic elements of their land.
Our primary tool for accomplishing our mission is the
perpetual conservation easement.
With a conservation easement, a landowner is able to
protect the unique values of certain lands for all time.
Even though there are common elements to every easement,
such as those precluding subdivision, commercial development
and other activities detrimental to soil, water or wildlife
habitat, each easement is tailored to the unique character
of the land and the conservation goals of its owners.
NPLT also offers a menu of other tools, as outlined
under the "Conservation Tools" heading here
at our Web site.
In addition, NPLT works extensively with governmental
and private partners to enhance the availability of
current conservation programs, and to develop new and
innovative solutions for the preservation of natural
resources.
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The Value of Partnerships
The Staff, Directors and Volunteers of Northern Prairies Land Trust truly values the many partnerships they have established while working through a large variety of projects.
There are several examples which illustrate the extensiveness of our partnerships. The South Dakota Department of Game and Fish and Parks, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have partnered with NPLT under the federally-funded Landowner Incentive Program.
The Big Sioux River Conservation Easement Program includes partners such as project sponsor East Dakota Water Development District, South Dakota Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever and South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts.
Northern Prairies also teamed up with the Natural Resources Conservation Service under the federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program, and Nebraska Environmental Trust, to obtain an easement on the historic "Old Baldy" along the banks of the Missouri River, as well as having a Cooperative Agreement with NRCS for a conservation easement in South Dakota along the Big Sioux River.
Northern Prairies is also leading the way in developing partnerships through umbrella organizations such as the South Dakota Conservation Alliance and Nebraska Tallgrass Prairie Partnership.
Our Watertown, SD office is yet another example of partnering, with the office space being donated by the City of Watertown and Upper Big Sioux River Watershed Project (UBS). We also team up with UBS, Ducks Unlimited and Partners for Fish and Wildlife in various individual projects in northeast SD.
NPLT recently joined the Prairie Coteau Habitat Partnership and participates in prescribed prairie burns with other conservation groups under the leadership of The Nature Conservancy.
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