RAPID CITY, S.D.- The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry will begin accepting applications for 2016-17 Mountain Pine Beetle survey and marking services from Aug. 15, 2016, through Sept. 16, 2016.
The surveying and marking are done to assist private landowners in mitigating current mountain pine beetle infestations on their land. This service is provided by the State of South Dakota for landowners with more than 10-acre parcels located in the Black Hills. Landowners with less than 10 acres may form groups with neighbors to achieve the acreage requirement.
Applications must include size and parcel identification number of properties to be surveyed, name/address and current contact information for property owner or spokesperson for the property if applying as a group.
Once the property is surveyed, landowners will receive a packet with maps indicating location and number of infested trees, as well as a list of contractors. After the packet is received, it is the landowners’ responsibility to have the work completed. A cost-share program is available through the State of South Dakota for qualifying landowners with more than 20 infested trees identified.
Applications may be submitted online at the www.beatthebeetles.com website, or by calling 605.394.2395.
Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Source: South Dakota Department of Agriculture
