Dakota Grasslands Initiative

The Mule Deer Foundation’s Dakota Grasslands Initiative is focused on the collaborative conservation of mule deer habitat in the Dakota Grasslands region, partnering with private landowners, state and federal agencies, and other NGOs. The Dakota Grasslands is a key focal area for NFWF’s Northern Great Plains program and consists of grasslands and sagebrush dominated habitats that are highly productive habitat for mule deer and numerous other grassland and sagebrush obligate species. The Mule Deer Foundation’s Dakota Grasslands Initiative, and associated partners, will identify and prioritize habitat and range improvement projects that will benefit mule deer, pronghorn, and sage grouse habitat. NFWF and MDF funding will support efforts to implement the most important projects on public and private lands and be used to leverage other funds from project stakeholders. Habitat in this region is primarily private land with some public lands; therefore projects need to have the ability to be cross-jurisdictional when ownership is mixed. These efforts will help to restore grassland and sagebrush habitats and improve habitat connectivity for many grassland and sagebrush obligate species in the region.