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 shelterbelts. 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 Buffaloberry 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 five (5) acres.
• The trees must be protected from livestock and weeds controlled.
• All trees must be planted in a prepared site. No scalp plantings.
• Applicant must have land within a 35 - 40 miles 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 location conversation district.
• The trees cannot be removed for at least fifteen (15) years.
• If land changes ownership during this Period, the current owner must refund any payments received if the new owner removes the trees.
• Shall be 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.
• Shall be limited to one tree planting agreement with Pheasant Country -Mitchell per landowner per year.

Tree Planting Program Landowners who sign up will receive $500 per acres (up to a maximum of 5 acres) for trees planted over a two year period. The landowner cost to establish trees for pheasant habitat can range from $500 to $1000 per acre, which includes ground preparation, trees, planting and weed control for at least four years.
Contact Mike Kuchera, Habitat Chairperson for details at (605) 996-1120.