Prairie Pothole Region to have Water Bank Program

(Huron, S.D., April 15, 2026) - For Fiscal Year 2026, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is granted $2 million to fund landowner enrollment in the Water Bank Program (WBP) for the Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota (SD), North Dakota, and Minnesota.

The purposes of WBP include preserving and improving major wetlands as habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, conserving surface waters, reducing soil and wind erosion, contributing to flood control, improving water quality, improving subsurface moisture, and enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.

Funded applicants receive an annual per acre payment: $50/acre on cropland, $35/acre for pastureland (including non-cropped wetlands), and $20/acre for forestland. All contracts are nonrenewable 10-year rental agreements based on high, medium, and low priority rankings for each land use:

• High: Cropland impacted by flooding.
• Medium: Pasture, hay, and range lands impacted by flooding.
• Low: Forest and other lands impacted by flooding.

Landowners impacted by flooding on cropland, pastureland, hayland, rangeland, forestland, and other lands are encouraged to apply. Applications in SD will be accepted April 15, 2026, to May 15, 2026. For more information, please contact your local service center.

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