Grand River National Grassland

Grand River National Grassland comprises over 61,000 ha of mixed-grass prairie, grasslands, and wooded draws. It is a patchwork of lands along the north and south forks of the Grand River in northern South Dakota, managed for multiple-use by the U.S. Forest Service. Land uses include livestock grazing, hunting, fishing, and birding.

Conservation Issues

Non-native grass species (especially crested wheatgrass), which are dominant on much of this IBA, limit the distribution and densities of some bird species. Management that maintains or increases the amount of non-native grasses, such as lack of fire or undergrazing/overgrazing, could be a threat.

Ownership

The entire IBA is National Grassland managed by USFS.

Habitat

Most of the IBA is pastureland – a large proportion of which is non-native grass – with scattered wooded or shrubby draws and stock ponds.

Land Use

The area is managed for multiple use. The most prominent use is for livestock grazing. Recreational activities include hunting, bird-watching and wildlife-watching.