{"pk":62088,"title":"Assessing conservation planning in South Dakota: Challenges and opportunities in collaboration, public participation, and climate information","subtitle":null,"abstract":"Conservation planning protects habitats, supports biodiversity, and sustains ecosystem functions that support human and ecological well-being. Natural resource managers are expected to make sound management decisions and balance competing interests in a social-ecological context. However, they face challenges related to effective collaboration, public participation in decision-making, and the application of climate information. This study describes conservation planning challenges in South Dakota, a predominantly rural state where over 80% of land is privately owned, and natural resources are highly valued. We used an inductive, qualitative research approach, including in-depth interviews with 35 experts and content analysis of 56 conservation plans. Our study identifies the absence of complementary goals among federal, state, and non-profit organizations. Managers have concerns that current methods of public engagement are inadequate and often result in low engagement during the public participation process. Limited understanding and application of climate data were prevalent among managers. Our findings indicate that managers face multiple, complex demands in conservation planning. Conservation outcomes can be more sustainable when collaborative efforts are complementary, public perspectives are incorporated, and clear guidance exists for using climate tools. This study positions relationships as an important social foundation for conservation success. The insights from this study inform policy and practice by offering considerations for improving collaboration, public participation, and the use of scientific data.","language":"eng","license":{"name":"","short_name":"","text":null,"url":""},"keywords":[],"section":"Advances in Research and Management","is_remote":true,"remote_url":"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/89r785hk","frozenauthors":[{"first_name":"Vivian","middle_name":"","last_name":"Hulugh","name_suffix":"","institution":"","department":""},{"first_name":"Lauren","middle_name":"","last_name":"Redmore","name_suffix":"","institution":"","department":""},{"first_name":"Jennifer","middle_name":"","last_name":"Zavaleta Cheek","name_suffix":"","institution":"","department":""}],"date_submitted":null,"date_accepted":null,"date_published":"2026-01-15T01:00:00-07:00","render_galley":null,"galleys":[{"label":"PDF","type":"pdf","path":"https://journalpub.escholarship.org/psf/article/62088/galley/47972/download/"}]}