South Dakota In-Lieu Fee Program

Ducks Unlimited’s South Dakota In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program offers a conservation-driven approach to wetland restoration that supports both regulatory needs and the state’s rich outdoor heritage. Since 2016, DU has delivered U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-approved mitigation solutions that help offset wetland impacts while enhancing habitat for waterfowl and wildlife across the Prairie Pothole Region. With credits available through mitigation banking and the DU-SD-ILF Program, project sponsors benefit from efficient, pre-approved solutions that streamline permitting and contribute to the sustainability of South Dakota’s recreation, hunting, and tourism economy. Backed by decades of expertise in land and water conservation, DU’s program delivers reliable results with lasting ecological value. 

Types of Mitigation Credits

Wetland, HGM Depression/Pothole, Exchange, Offsets, Species/Habitat Mitigation, Environmental Compliance Mitigation, and other project-specific needs. 

Why Choose DU in South Dakota

DU offers a proven, statewide portfolio of high-quality wetland mitigation projects across key South Dakota watersheds—including the James, Big Sioux, Missouri, Vermillion, and Red River systems. Our projects restore critical prairie pothole and floodplain habitats through science-based design and decades of conservation expertise. With sites like the Moody County ILF and Sanborn County Mitigation Bank demonstrating rapid ecological recovery and over 145 acres of restored grasslands, DU delivers meaningful environmental outcomes and regulatory certainty. Whether supporting infrastructure, energy, or development needs, our pre-approved credits and long-term stewardship make DU a trusted partner for impactful, efficient mitigation. 

 

Credit Purchase Steps:

  1. Contact DU: If you need environmental offsets or mitigation credits, start by reaching out to the appropriate contact for your area.
  2. Credit Availability: If credits are available for purchase, DU can issue a credit availability to provide in permitting applications for agencies.
  3. Final Permit: Upon issuance of your permit and final impact amounts, DU can proceed to invoice for the final amount.
  4. Invoice: DU will issue an invoice for the agreed-upon transaction.
  5. Credit Sales Letter: Upon payment, DU will issue a transaction receipt or credit sales letter, which will acknowledge and finalize the transaction, permanently transferring any mitigation responsibility to DU. 

 

For more information contact:

Trent Heib
Manager, Conservation Programs
Mobile: 701-720-6816
thieb@ducks.org

Back to GPR Mitigation Programs

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