News and Updates

Minnehaha Conservation District 2024 Wildlife Habitat Award Nominee:

Scott and Mary DeWitte

Nominee Address:

Scott and Mary DeWitte

24761 487th Ave

Sherman, SD 57030

Narrative:

Driven by their strong conservation ethic on their 415-acre property, Scott and Mary DeWitte have demonstrated for over 25 years what it truly means to be stewards of the land. Being avid outdoor enthusiasts and hunters, Scott and Mary understand the necessity of fostering good quality wildlife habitat and the impact caring for the land makes. Furthermore, they believe anything they do, from planting native grasses to stocking game birds on their lands, is essential as they want to carry on the outdoor traditions they grew up with for generations to come.

When visiting Scott and Mary’s property, the time and work put in to create an operation that is a stunning example of utilizing best management practices is evident. This is no surprise as the Dewitte family has regularly participated in programs since 2007 regarding their farm plans, utilizing CRP, EQIP, Game, Fish & Parks, and Big Sioux River Project initiatives. NRCS programs were used to establish various field windbreaks and wildlife habitat shelterbelts, along with over a mile of living snow fence on 487th Ave, with some sections of these practices having been installed over a decade ago.

Additionally, a 30-acre section of woody habitat was installed in 2018. Over 30 acres of pollinator habitat and multiple acres of wildlife food plots can be found throughout from use of

Game, Fish, & Parks projects. There is an area buffering east Pipestone Creek utilizing SRAM. Two wildlife ponds are established within the property and the list of conservation implementation just goes on. 

The influence this work has made on the land is easily noticed, as it is difficult to not find wildlife when visiting this area on the northeast side of Minnehaha County. Wildflowers and native grasses throughout not only assist pollinators, providing a food source for many bird varieties, but also create essential wildlife cover. The ponds provide necessary water sources, while the buffers used surrounding Pipestone Creek assist in creating a cleaner environment for the aquatic species that reside there. The many forested habitats also create abundant opportunities for wildlife, such as deer and turkeys, to have shelter, making the property a haven for all the many species that call South Dakota home.

As the years go on, the DeWitte family continues to exemplify what it means to be conservationists, constantly doing more to better the land. The health of acreage and just overall life that is present overwhelmingly supports this. They are a fantastic example of what is hoped all landowners will look to do, and Minnehaha Conservation District is proud to nominate them for consideration for the 2024 Wildlife Habitat Award.

 Photos of Implementation Practices 

Pollinator and Native Grass Plantings, Food Plots, & Other Wildlife Areas

Shelterbelts, Windbreaks, Living Snow Fence, & Woody Habitat

Buffer Area & Wildlife Pond

National Conservation Award

James Schaeffer

Judge John W. Tobin Volunteer Appreciation Award

Kris Goeden

100th Anniversary for Sioiux Falls Chapter

Defender’s Chapter Achievement Award

Deer Hunting

Pheasant Hunting

Mickelson Trail Bicyclists

Turkey Hunting with the Goeden's

Jonah Dancsisin Bags his First Turkey

A memorial rock was placed outside the clubhouse to honor the Harr family.  Jack, Jerry and Dick were IWLA members who were dedicated to the club and participated in activities at the club, including trap shooting.   Honoring their memories are their wives - Lauverne (Jerry) Harr, Donna (Jack) Harr, Rae (Dick) Harr.