Leopold Conservation Award - South Dakota

Governor Daugaard honors the Kopriva family, recipient of the 2012 Leopold Conservation Award

From left, Angela Kopriva, Jim Kopriva, Karen Kopriva, Gov. Dennis Daugaard, and Lee Kopriva

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard recognized the Kopriva family as the recipient of the 2012 Leopold Conservation Award during a ceremony April 12 at the State Capitol.

The Governor's office distributed this message following the event ...

Every Day is Earth Day in South Dakota

As South Dakotans, we have a personal connection with the land.

We enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, hunting and working the land. Many of us grew up on the farm and many more have fond memories of harvesting corn with grandpa or helping grandma plant peas in the garden. We appreciate the beauty of our forested Black Hills, the wide-open spaces of our great plains, and the quiet calm of our lakes and rivers.

The bond to land is reflected in our state seal, a vivid testament to our state’s natural beauty and a clear symbol of the importance we place on our land and environment. A flowing river, majestic hills, productive agricultural lands, and the many benefits of these abundant natural resources form the collective symbol of our great state. Read more ...

SOUTH DAKOTA PARTNERS:

SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION

Sand County Foundation is a private, non-profit conservation group dedicated to working with private landowners to improve habitat on their land. Sand County’s mission is to advance the use of ethical and scientifically sound land management practices and partnerships for the benefit of people and their rural landscapes. Sand County Foundation works with private landowners because the majority of the nation’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources are found on private lands. The organization backs local champions, invests in civil society and places incentives before regulation to create solutions that ensure and grow. The organization encourages the exercise of private responsibility in the pursuit of improved land health as an essential alternative to many of the commonly used strategies in modern conservation.

SOUTH DAKOTA CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION

The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association is a member-driven organization working to advance and protect the interests of all cattlemen. SDCA works to facilitate a profitable business climate and promote environmental stewardship.

SOUTH DAKOTA GRASSLAND COALITION

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition is a non- profit organization that seeks the voluntary improvement of grasslands for the long-term needs of the resource and its various species. The SD Grassland Coalition is dedicated to improving and maintaining the State’s grasslands by informing and guiding grassland managers to make cost-effective and environmentally sound management decisions.