• Each year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day as a reminder of the intrinsic value of clean air, clear water and abundant wildlife.
• Here in South Dakota, we place a high value on the land and its bounty.  Agriculture is our No. 1 industry and provides the bedrock of our economy. Tourism and outdoor activities comprise our second-largest industry and many of us enjoy hunting, fishing, camping and the great outdoors.
• South Dakota's strong commitment to conservation is apparent in the interest generated by last December's Pheasant Habitat Summit and the subsequent work group, which recently held its second meeting.
• More than 80 percent of South Dakota's land area is privately owned.  A bit more than 17 percent is federally owned and the remainder - just over 2 percent - is state-owned.  Because private citizens are by far our state's largest landowners, conservation efforts employed by farmers and ranchers are integral to the quality of our natural resources.
• To recognize individuals dedicated to land and wildlife conservation efforts,

(Continued on page 4)