A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION, Affirming the value of grassland ecosystems and the importance of farmers and ranchers as managers.

WHEREAS, it is the right of all South Dakotans to have access to clean water, clean air, and healthy landscapes; and

WHEREAS, there is an obligation to leave a net positive land legacy to future generations; and

WHEREAS, grassland ecosystems comprise one of the earth's dominant biomes, covering up to forty percent of its terrestrial area; and

WHEREAS, grassland ecosystems improve water quality, increase filtration, and reduce runoff and flooding; and

WHEREAS, grassland ecosystems are essential to maintaining biodiversity, providing important habitat for myriad native wildlife, pollinators, livestock, and game animals; and

WHEREAS, the deep, living roots of a grassland ecosystem and native prairie allow for significant carbon storage and reduce nitrogen loss in the soil; and

WHEREAS, new opportunities for innovation and research in grassland management, soil health, and native prairie restoration for future generation are emergent; and

WHEREAS, ranchers increasingly use managed grazing and regenerative soil practices to ensure the sustainability of this ecosystem for future generations:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the Ninety-Ninth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the grassland ecosystem of the Great Plains of North America can be part of the solution to improve water quality, support biodiversity, sequester carbon, maintain healthy soil, and provide habitat for wildlife, and that farmers and ranchers are crucial in conserving grassland ecosystems.

Adopted by the Senate, February 6, 2024

Concurred in by the House of Representatives, February 8, 2024

_____________________ _____________________ Lee Schoenbeck Peggy Laurenz President Pro Tempore Secretary of the Senate

of the Senate

_____________________ _____________________ Hugh Bartels Patricia Miller Speaker of the House Chief Clerk