This sounds like a big scale project and a cool one at that. I would recommend emailing or calling Kyle at Praire Land Management. He is located here in MN. I have bought sago and wild rice from them.
http://www.habitatnow.com/How is he going to have clients, when SD doesn't let any out of staters hunt waterfowl?
If I'm reading this right, it seems like you guys are after puddlers. If you really want puddle ducks, you have to think refuge and food. Did I mention food? Ducks try and consume 10% of their body weight a day! Thats a lot of seed and bugs comsumed every day. Shallow water is very important. Anything over 2' is just wasted land/water.
Good Luck and post some pictures now and after please.
