Across the prairies and fields of South Dakota, shelterbelts play an important role in providing wind protection to farmsteads, fields, livestock, and wildlife. These groves of trees aid in caring for our natural resources by slowing erosion and storing water.
Many of the shelterbelts in the area have degraded plant health due to age, disease, and extreme weather conditions. NRCS is encouraging landowners to take an inventory of plant health within the shelterbelts to assess whether action is needed.
As a landowner there are options to rejuvenate the health of these shelterbelts. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) acknowledges multiple methods of renovation techniques that are successful in restoring the benefits of a shelterbelt. Aside from completely clearing a shelterbelt and replanting new trees, a landowner could also choose to select trees within rows or a whole row to be removed and replanted. There are also options for increasing shelterbelt density by planting shade tolerant species between rows. Rows can be added on either side of the existing rows to improve density. The overall goal of the project is to restore the shelterbelt to a working state to allow for it accomplish its intended purpose.
The Ipswich NRCS office has placed a priority on this project due to the need expressed by local stakeholders. As a climate smart practice, shelterbelt renovation is eligible for the additional Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This would provide landowners technical and financial assistance to successfully complete a shelterbelt renovation project.
Producers interested in a shelterbelt renovation project are encouraged to contact the Ipswich NRCS Field Office to request an application. For project planning and prioritization, landowners are encouraged to return a signed application to the field office by June 16,2023. The field office staff is excited to assist landowners in implementing this locally led project. Direct questions to the Ipswich field office staff at (605) 426-6951.
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