Resource Conservation Speech Contest

Each year the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, Resource Conservation and Forestry Division, sponsors a resource conservation-oriented speech contest. Any SD student in grades 9-12 is eligible to enter. This includes public, private, and home-school students.

The contest consists of three levels - local, area and state. Two winners from each of the local contests advance to the area contests. Two winners from each of the seven area contests advance to the state competition.

Conservation districts take the lead at the local and area levels, with the Division coordinating the state finals.

East River and Rushmore Electric Power Cooperatives and South Dakota Rural Electric Association present the winners with scholarships to be used at any college, university or accredited vocational technical school within South Dakota. Other co-sponsors include the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts.

$2,300 is available for the top three state finalists, $1,100 for first place, $750 for second place, and $450 for third place.

Complete rules and entry form can be accessed by clicking here.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the form. Download a free copy here.

You will need to complete the entry blank portion, and submit the form to your local conservation district. If you need assistance in contacting your local district, a complete listing of conservation districts can be accessed by clicking here. (This will open in a new window.)

You may also contact the Resource Conservation and Forestry Division by calling 605-773-3623 or 1-800-228-5254 (toll free in South Dakota).