Washington, DC— U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s additions to the National Wildlife Refuge System.
“This conservation effort relies on voluntary easements with private landowners. Central South Dakota has a rich ranching tradition. The easements allow those uses to continue, while conserving the natural landscape, benefitting migratory birds, and enhancing water quality. In addition, hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation contribute greatly to the South Dakota economy and our quality of life. With the help of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, this conservation area will protect valuable wetlands and a diverse grassland ecosystem that is becoming all too rare.”
