Edmunds County landowner honored

Dennis Hoyle of Roscoe received a Wildlife Habitat Award from the South Dakota Division of the Izaak Walton League of America. Hoyle was recognized for conservation practices he has implemented on his Edmunds County farm.

He was nominated for the award by the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition for responsible natural resource management that benefits wildlife and enhances habitat.

Hoyle raises grass-finished beef and grows corn, wheat, soybeans, and alfalfa. His conservation practices include no-till, food plots, and diverse cover crops that benefit soil health and wildlife. His land has high bird counts including species rarely seen in the state. He utilizes conservation programs to improve his soil, manage grassland, and provide habitat. Hoyle is a founding board member of the S.D. Soil Health Coalition, and an advisor for the Edmunds County Conservation District. He helps other producers make use of conservation practices and he spreads the word about the value of "healthy soil."

This was the 70th year the South Dakota Division presented the Wildlife Habitat Award. Hoyle's conservation efforts provide habitat for deer, pheasants, and other wildlife.

Doug Alvine from Watertown, who coordinates the award for the S.D. Division, said "Dennis met the award's criteria and the Izaak Walton League mission to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources."

Hoyle received a commemorative plaque; the Soil Health Coalition got a certificate of appreciation from the Division for the nomination.

Hoyle was one of four South Dakota landowners awarded for habitat efforts. The other award winners were from Kingsbury, Faulk, and Codington counties. The South Dakota Division will be seeking 2023 nominations for the Wildlife Habitat Award this spring.