Policy and Advocacy in the Great Plains: North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska

Protecting birds and the places they need.

We collaborate with policymakers, landowners, and partners to advocate for public policy that supports working lands conservation, reduces climate impacts, and protects dedicated conservation funding for the benefit of both birds and people.

State Level Policy Work

Healthy grasslands and wetlands are essential for birds and agriculture. We advocate for policies that make conservation practical for landowners, including promoting prescribed fire as a safe and effective tool for controlling invasive species, improving species diversity and soil health while protecting the prairie for future generations.

We also champion conservation easements, which are voluntary agreements that help landowners protect their land for future generations while continuing agricultural operations.

Dedicated conservation funds like the Nebraska Environmental Trust and North Dakota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund are critical funding sources providing support for habitat restoration and landowner conservation incentives. These funds face ongoing threats of diversion or cuts, and we work with our partners to defend them. In South Dakota, we are supporting exploratory efforts to create a similar fund to expand conservation opportunities.

The Platte River is a lifeline for migratory birds. We support policies that ensure the Platte River continues to flow and provide critical habitat for birds. We engage in long-term water policy issues, seeking solutions that create a balance for habitat, industry and our local communities.

Renewable energy is vital for a sustainable future, and if developed and managed properly, the Great Plains can become a major producer of clean energy with minimal risk to wildlife. We educate communities and advocate for policies that support well-sited clean energy projects while protecting wildlife and habitat.

Learn more about our work by downloading our one-page documents.
Download here.

We also work closely with Audubon’s Federal Government Affairs team on federal policy issues that have significant impact and presence in the Great Plains Region, including: