Funding the Future: Growing Prairie with State Conservation Dollars

State conservation funding programs are powerful drivers of on‑the‑ground restoration in the Northern Great Plains. In addition to providing direct funding for conservation actions, state conservation funding also provides a critical match for federal and foundational grants, and helps diversify funding in the event of federal funding freezes or reductions. State conservation funding helps address declining grassland acres and falling bird populations by supporting solutions that meet the needs of both wildlife and working lands. These funding pools recognize that healthy natural resources are essential to the cultural and economic fabric of the Northern Plains, and they invest in projects that strengthen that connection.

At Audubon Great Plains, support from the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) has been essential to developing and expanding programs that deliver real results for landowners and wildlife. In the past decade, over $12.5M has been invested into conservation solutions such as Audubon Conservation Ranching, the Prairie Management Toolbox, and the Conservation Forage Program (CFP). CFP is a classic example of how state funding can provide an incubator to big ideas and accelerate conservation outcomes. This program, first developed by North Dakota partners with initial financial support coming from OHF, provides financial and technical assistance to producers who want to expand grazing or haying acres while restoring native grassland function. With support from OHF, Audubon has been able to establish healthy rangelands on over 20,000 acres of marginal croplands.

These grasslands improve soil health, increase drought resilience on the ranch, and create habitat for grassland birds and pollinators. Without funding from OHF, the Conservation Forage Program may still be just an idea, rather than a resounding success.

In Nebraska, the Nebraska Environmental Trust has invested a little over $5M in Audubon centers and sanctuaries, unlocking nearly $19M in matching funds. This investment has provided critical habitat management actions, improved visitor services, and expanded outdoor opportunities at these centers. Statewide, NET funding has impacted all 93 counties in the state, with $422M in investment securing over $1B in matching funds to advance conservation activities.

South Dakota does not currently have a state-sponsored conservation fund. A group of partners and dedicated landowners have started organizing a coalition to build support for legislation that would develop a fund. Audubon hopes that such a fund would provide expanded opportunities to conserve South Dakota’s iconic landscapes, the way state funds have supported efforts in neighboring states.

Audubon Great Plains is proud to work alongside partners who recognize the importance of these programs. Continued support for the Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Nebraska Environmental Trust will ensure that conservation remains a shared public-private priority and that the natural resources of the Northern Plains remain vibrant for generations to come.