About

We are part of the natural world and rely on its resources to grow our communities. It is our responsibility to protect and restore what has been lost. By using the earth's resources sustainably, we can ensure that our grandchildren reap the same benefits we enjoy today.

Who We Are

Northern Prairies Land Trust was established in 1999 to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Upper Grasslands. We are a non-profit conservation organization that aims to provide land preservation tools to landowners in South Dakota and Nebraska. Since our inception, we have made great strides in securing easements on over 7,000 acres, including areas famously chronicled by the explorers Lewis and Clark. We continually work on new easements and use our conservation expertise as a referral source for other private and governmental organizations.

What We Do

NPLT works with private landowners one-on-one to provide long-term, legally sound conservation strategies to protect their land's natural and economic elements. Our primary tool for accomplishing our mission is the perpetual conservation easement, which allows a landowner to forever protect certain lands' unique values.

How We Do It

Although every easement has common elements, such as those precluding subdivision, commercial development, and other activities detrimental to soil, water, or wildlife habitat, each easement is tailored to the land's unique character and its owners' conservation goals. In addition, NPLT works extensively with governmental and private partners to enhance the availability of current conservation programs and develop new and innovative solutions for preserving natural resources.