WILDLIFE TREE PLANTING INCENTIVE AGREEMENT

Submit a Wildlife tree planting incentive form

In 1997 Pheasant Country established a Wildlife Tree Planting Incentive Program to encourage landowners to establish shelter belts. Pheasants need protection from the harsh South Dakota winters to help them survive until the spring nesting season. The best shelter belts for pheasants are those that are planted with "short" trees such as Maple, Pear, Plum or Buffalo Berry along with conifers such as Cedars and Junipers.

Specifications and Requirements:

• The planting must be at least one (1) acre and payment will not be made on acres of trees that exceed eight (8) acres.
• The trees must be protected from livestock and weeds must be controlled.
• All trees must be planted in a prepared site, no scalp plantings.
• Applicant must have land within a 50-mile radius of Mitchell, SD and be a Pheasants Forever #872 member.
• The trees will be monitored and inspected at least once a year by the local conversation district.
• Dead trees must be replaced.
• The trees cannot be removed for at least fifteen (15) years.
• If land changes ownership during the 15 year period, the current owner must refund any payments received if the trees are removed.
• Accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to the annual funding available from the Pheasant Country PF Chapter #872 - Mitchell. Deadline for application is April 1st of each year.
• Limited to one tree planting agreement with Pheasant Country - Mitchell per landowner per year.
• All contracts are subject to Board approval.

Tree Planting Program Landowners who sign up and get approved will receive payment in two increments so that the trees can be inspected before a second payment is distributed.  The payments will be made in accordance with the following guidelines based upon the number of rows planted.

3-4 rows $1,000.00 per acre
5-7 rows $1,250.00 per acre
8-12 rows $1,500.00 per acre

Contact Mike Kuchera, Habitat Chairperson for details at (605) 996-1120.