PIERRE, S.D. (KXLG) – Governor Kristi Noem is confident her habitat Initiative will be a success. The program is intended to ensure the state’s second century of pheasant hunting is as great as the first.

The new law, passed by this year’s legislature will appropriate up to one million dollars from the state to protect and enhance wildlife habitat. Those dollars will be matched dollar for dollar with private contributions.

The initiative comes after a harsh South Dakota winter wherein fears of pheasant losses are high following record breaking snowfall, cold temps, and wind. Governor Noem says it’s more important than ever to get started now with wildlife habitat protection.

Noem says the program should ensure South Dakota wildlife habitat is given a higher priority.