AGP Executive Report

Data Center Pushback: More than 100 people in Illinois urged a moratorium on large data centers, citing heavy water and energy use and local impacts on aquifers. Severe Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch was canceled after a funnel cloud and baseball-sized hail were reported, but forecasters warn another round could hit early next week. Black Hills Drilling Fight: Nine tribes sued the federal government to stop exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’Sla, a sacred meadow used for ceremonies, prayer, and youth camps—arguing the project threatens wildlife and violates federal law. Waterfowl Refuge Repeal: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks moved to repeal Lake Albert’s waterfowl refuge status, and a report raises questions about whether landowner interests were fully disclosed. Severe Storm Alert (Sunday): A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for western South Dakota with damaging winds (60–80 mph possible) and large hail, plus a small tornado risk. Conservation & Community: South Dakota Mines plans a $6M geology field station in Nemo to expand hands-on training in Black Hills geology. Storm Repair Scams: AG Marty Jackley warned residents to verify contractors and avoid rushing into deals after severe weather. Wildlife Research: Darwin’s Ark is recruiting more South Dakota cat owners for a genetics and behavior study, aiming to fill national research gaps.

Severe Weather Watch: A Level 3 severe storm threat is in place for Sunday across western South Dakota, with damaging winds (60–80 mph possible) and large hail, plus a small tornado risk near the northern Black Hills. Tribal Rights vs. Mining: Nine tribes are suing the federal government to stop exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’Sla, a sacred meadow in the central Black Hills, arguing agencies violated federal law and that the project threatens wildlife. Wildlife Refuge Transparency: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is facing scrutiny after a lake waterfowl refuge repeal story raised questions about an employee’s landowner ties. Conservation & Community: South Dakota Mines plans a 9,415-square-foot geology field station in Nemo to expand hands-on training tied to Black Hills geology. Cultural Heritage Dig: An archaeological excavation at Soap Suds Row near Fort Meade is continuing through June 11, uncovering artifacts tied to U.S. Army laundresses and earlier Native activity. Native Plant Push: SDSU Extension added Allison Dollen as a Native Plant Field Specialist to expand restoration and native plant education statewide. Outdoor Safety: AG Marty Jackley warns South Dakotans about storm-repair scams as severe weather season ramps up. Aurora Buzz: Northern lights may be visible across parts of the northern U.S. Monday into Tuesday after a strong solar event. Water Quality Cleanup: The National Park Service is seeking volunteers for a Missouri River litter cleanup in Yankton on Saturday.

Severe Storms Watch: A First Alert Weather Day is out for Sunday across western South Dakota and the northern Black Hills, with damaging wind gusts (60–80 mph in the highest-risk areas) and large to very large hail, plus a small tornado risk. Public Lands & Wildlife Poisoning: A new push to allow “cyanide bombs” on public land is back in the spotlight after the BLM lifted a ban, raising fresh concerns for predators and broader ecosystem harm. Water Quality & Recreation: The National Park Service is recruiting volunteers for a Missouri River cleanup in Yankton, aiming to remove litter and protect wildlife along the river corridor. Drought Planning: SDSU Extension is hosting free regional drought meetings June 17 in Hot Springs, Winner, and Yankton, with sessions on crops, forages, and drought impacts on livestock and economics. Native Plants on the Ground: SDSU Extension welcomed a new Native Plant Field Specialist, focused on helping landowners and the public expand native plant restoration across South Dakota. Wildlife Conservation Story: A local visit and reporting project highlights the plight of piping plovers, a fragile beach-nesting bird protected under the Endangered Species Act. Storm Repair Scams: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is warning residents about storm-repair scams as severe weather season ramps up.

Water & Wildlife Policy: Gov. Rhoden’s pitch for $3M to upgrade the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery spotlights a bigger question about how South Dakota funds wildlife work, after years of predator-bounty spending that lawmakers and biologists doubted. Severe Weather & Public Safety: The AG is warning storm victims about repair scams, urging written quotes, contractor checks, and avoiding full upfront payments. Drought & Agriculture: SDSU Extension is hosting free regional drought meetings June 17 (Hot Springs, Winner, Yankton) with climate updates plus crop, forage, and livestock guidance. Native Plants & Restoration: SDSU Extension welcomed Allison Dollen as a Native Plant Field Specialist to expand native plant education and restoration across the state. Conservation on the Ground: The National Park Service is recruiting volunteers for a Missouri River cleanup in Yankton Saturday. Climate Extremes: Forecasters warn a major heat wave could blanket the central U.S., with the Dakotas in the risk zone. Species at Risk: A new book project is spotlighting the piping plover’s plight, including the northern Great Plains population protected under the Endangered Species Act. Local Projects: US Highway 85 reconstruction planning in the Black Hills draws mixed reactions over safety gains versus impacts to land and wildlife.

Highway Safety vs. Habitat: SDDOT is weighing US Highway 85 reconstruction from Spearfish Canyon to the Wyoming border, with plans for shoulders, grading, and curve reroutes—locals worry about impacts to private land, forest service areas, and wildlife. Storm Season Scams: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is warning residents about fake “storm repair” contractors, urging written quotes, sales tax license checks, and avoiding full upfront payment. Wildlife Watch: A Yankton visit by piping plover author Chris Allieri spotlights the birds’ fragile nesting needs and the Endangered Species Act protections. Weekend Weather: Forecasters warn of hot conditions and a severe storm threat across the region, including damaging winds and hail risk. Native Plants Push: SDSU Extension hired Allison Dollen as a Native Plant Field Specialist to expand restoration education statewide. River Cleanup: The National Park Service is seeking volunteers for a Missouri River litter pickup in Yankton. Drought & Water: SDSU Extension will host free regional drought meetings June 17, and Huron is running summer watering limits through September 30. Carbon Pipeline Lawsuit: A $15 million Summit Carbon Solutions lawsuit is moving toward trial in Delaware.

GOP Runoff Fallout: South Dakota’s governor primary runoff is shaping up as a test of turnout and shifting loyalties, with Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden both trying to win over supporters of eliminated rivals. Native Plants & Restoration: SDSU Extension hired Allison Dollen as a Native Plant Field Specialist to expand the Native Plant Initiative and help landowners and communities restore habitat with locally suited plants. Drought Planning: SDSU Extension will host free regional drought meetings June 17 in Hot Springs, Winner, and Yankton, with crop, forage, climate updates, and livestock and water guidance. Storm Season Scams: Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning South Dakotans about storm-repair scams, urging written quotes, license checks, and avoiding full upfront payment. Water Conservation: Huron set summer watering restrictions starting June 1 through Sept. 30 to manage dry conditions while keeping water available. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts a possible aurora show Friday night, with northern South Dakota included in the “low chance” visibility area. Boating Safety: BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved online boating safety course to include South Dakota. Energy & Wildlife Policy: A report says the BLM has lifted a ban on “cyanide bombs” on public land on a case-by-case basis, raising concerns for predators and wildlife impacts.

Severe Weather Watch: East-central South Dakota is bracing for Thursday storms with golfball-sized hail and 60–70 mph winds, plus a small chance of an isolated tornado. Drought & Water: SDSU Extension is hosting free regional drought meetings June 17 (Hot Springs, Winner, Yankton) as southern South Dakota agriculture stays under moderate to severe drought pressure. River Basin Dryness: The Missouri River basin remains dry after last winter’s weak snowpack, with drought expanding across about two-thirds of the basin and reduced runoff forecasts ahead. Wildlife & Public Lands: The Bureau of Land Management has lifted a ban on “cyanide bombs” on public land, raising alarms for predators and wildlife management in states including South Dakota. Local Cleanup Costs: Rapid City temporarily removed yard waste and recycling containers at Fitzgerald Stadium for tournament parking, and illegal dumping has already become a costly problem for taxpayers. Aurora Forecast: NOAA upgraded the northern lights outlook to a strong geomagnetic storm, with South Dakota among the states that could see auroras if skies cooperate. Livestock Health Threat: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, prompting calls for faster federal action to protect livestock and wildlife. Election Integrity Tech: A column praises South Dakota’s Secretary of State website for improving election-night results usability after slow updates drew criticism.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service is calling for another round of strong to severe storms across South Dakota Thursday, with large hail (1–2 inches) and damaging winds (60–70 mph) possible, plus a low chance of an isolated tornado. Storm Aftermath & Safety: NWS confirmed five tornadoes from the May 31 supercell outbreak in southeastern South Dakota, including EF-1 and EF-0 tornadoes across Minnehaha, Lincoln, and McCook counties. Drought Monitor: New data shows drought still grips much of the country, with 27% of corn acres and 28% of soybean acres in drought levels D1–D4, and livestock also heavily affected. Northern Lights: NOAA upgraded aurora odds with a Strong Geomagnetic Storm (G3) watch for June 4–5, with South Dakota in the viewing zone if skies cooperate. Local Environment & Waste: Rapid City is temporarily removing yard waste and recycling containers at Fitzgerald Stadium during the Veterans Classic (June 4–7), with drop-offs redirected to Nickel Street or the landfill. Consumer Protection: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is warning residents about storm-repair scams and urges careful contractor checks and written quotes.

Severe Weather & Flood Recovery: Oglala residents on the Pine Ridge Reservation are cleaning up after Tuesday’s flash flooding, when runoff surged fast after about 1.5 inches of rain—turning yards and homes into “a lake” and forcing evacuations. Storm Outlook: Another First Alert Weather Day is posted for Thursday with a slight risk of severe storms across much of the region, with large hail and damaging winds the main threats and an isolated tornado possible. Forest & Wildlife Management: The U.S. Forest Service signed a five-year shared stewardship agreement with South Dakota to coordinate projects that could include prescribed burning, thinning, grazing, and habitat and watershed restoration. Big Game Conservation: USDA unveiled a new migratory big game conservation framework for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn, using Farm Bill tools and focusing on habitat connectivity and reducing barriers like wildlife-unfriendly fencing. Roadside Noxious-Weed Rules: SDDOT reminded landowners about mowing limits on state right of way—no early mowing in many west river counties until mid-June, and east of the Missouri until July 10. Local Infrastructure Updates: SDDOT announced major Highway 38 closures east of Mitchell starting June 8 through November, plus a separate Highway 75 crack-sealing project starting June 8 with one-lane traffic and short delays. Wildlife & Community: South Dakota’s native plant push continues with SDSU Extension events promoting native plants across the state in June.

Forest Stewardship Deal: The U.S. Forest Service and South Dakota signed a five-year shared stewardship agreement to coordinate work on national forest and adjacent land, including wildfire risk reduction, insect/disease response, and habitat and watershed restoration. Road Work Updates: SDDOT announced major Highway 38 closures east of Mitchell starting June 8 through November, plus crack-sealing on Highway 75 between the North Dakota border and Highway 20 beginning June 8 (one-lane traffic with delays). Noxious Weed Timing: SDDOT reminded landowners of state right-of-way mowing rules, with west river counties starting no earlier than June 15 and east of the Missouri no earlier than July 10. Native Plants: SDSU Extension is hosting free Native Plant Expos across South Dakota in Rapid City, Spearfish, Sioux Falls, and Pierre, with themed plant packs and short talks. Wildlife Corridors Funding: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-funded program to help farmers protect migratory big-game corridors on private land, now covering South Dakota and 16 other states. Severe Weather Watch: NOAA forecasts possible G3–G4 geomagnetic storms that could boost aurora visibility across up to 23 states.

Wildlife Conservation: USDA rolled out a new migratory big-game conservation framework across 17 states, including South Dakota, aiming to keep working lands working while improving habitat connectivity for elk, pronghorn and mule deer. Native Plants & Habitat-Friendly Yards: SDSU Extension announced free Native Plant Expos in Rapid City, Spearfish, Sioux Falls and Pierre, with themed plant packs and talks on seed sourcing and native plants that support birds. Roads & Prairie Infrastructure: SDDOT scheduled a shoulder chip seal project on U.S. Highway 16 and 385 in Custer and Pennington counties, with short delays expected. Severe Weather Safety: NWS warned South Dakotans about fake storm photos and videos spreading online, urging extra caution during fast-moving severe weather. Local Community Resilience: Sioux Falls shared upcoming road construction lane closures, and Rapid City postponed Family Food Truck Night due to severe weather warnings. Education & Community Planning: Mitchell voters re-elected Deb Everson to the school board, while Sioux Falls school planning advanced with priorities including a Whittier Middle School replacement and security upgrades.

Severe Weather Alert: The National Weather Service is warning South Dakotans about fake storm photos and videos made with AI, urging people to verify what they see before sharing during severe weather. Road & Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure: SDDOT plans a shoulder chip seal project starting June 3 on U.S. 16 and U.S. 385 in Custer and Pennington Counties, with short delays expected, plus fog seal and brooming. Big Game Conservation: USDA unveiled a migratory big game framework for 17 states, including South Dakota, aiming to improve landscape connectivity and forage for elk, pronghorn, and mule deer while keeping working lands working. Water Quality Accountability: A new column argues South Dakota’s water quality reports have become less candid over time, even as livestock waste, manure runoff, erosion, nutrient loading, and failing septic systems remain major pollution drivers. Drought & Farming Reality: Upper Midwest planting is described as mixed, with May rains slowing progress in some areas while other regions face ongoing drought stress. EV Costs: A national analysis finds EV insurance runs about 42% higher than gas cars, though the gap narrows for newer models. Rail Merger Pause: The STB paused environmental review for a major rail merger and is asking for more info on competition and freight shifts, with opposition including South Dakota in the mix.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service is warning South Dakotans about fake storm photos made with AI, while First Alert Weather Days are set for Tuesday and Thursday with hail and damaging winds possible across the Black Hills and Plains. Drought & Farm Impacts: A southeast South Dakota farmer says dry spring stress and late freezes are hurting wheat and pastures, with USDA pasture/rangeland rated poor to very poor and drought still severe in parts of the state. Wildlife Update: Bald eagles are being spotted around Sioux Falls and near Humboldt, with June flagged as peak nesting season. Energy Efficiency Policy: The DOE’s updated rebate guidance would stop federal efficiency rebates from covering switching from fossil fuels to electric heating, drawing criticism from clean-energy advocates. Local Infrastructure: Sioux Falls road work begins Thursday with exit ramp closures tied to a Western Avenue/Interstate 229 project. Agriculture & Risk: An ag analyst highlights what producers should watch as drought persists and input uncertainty grows.

Road & Traffic Disruptions (Sioux Falls): SDDOT says exit ramp closures start June 11 at Western Avenue (northbound off-ramp, exit 2) and at I-229 to Minnehaha County Road 125/476th Avenue, lasting about eight days for milling, patching, asphalt overlay, and joint work. Local Construction (Rapid City): Multiple Black Hills-area projects are underway, including Elmhurst Drive utility work (through Nov. 27), a short Creek Drive hydrant closure (through June 5), and daily Art Alley closures in downtown for a mural. Severe Weather Watch: Sunday storms swept through McCook, Lincoln, and Minnehaha counties, with a tornado north of Beresford confirmed; later updates downgraded a “particularly dangerous” tornado warning while severe thunderstorm warnings stayed in effect. Land & Water Stewardship: The U.S. Forest Service and South Dakota’s Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources signed a five-year shared stewardship agreement to boost forest, rangeland, and grassland health, cut wildfire risk, and support rural resilience. Drought Readiness (Statewide): With much of South Dakota still abnormally dry, officials urge residents to prepare now for severe weather season, including multiple ways to get alerts and a plan for shelter. Wildlife & Community: Rapid City’s Earth Day Trail Challenge runs through June 30, encouraging trail hikes, litter pickup, and selfies for a chance at a commemorative pin.

Severe Weather Watch: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Tuesday across western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming, with forecasters calling large hail and damaging winds the main threats and a low chance of spin-up tornadoes as storms fire up around 3–5 p.m. and move toward the I-90 corridor. Tornado Update (Beresford): A “particularly dangerous” tornado warning near Beresford was confirmed briefly, then downgraded and canceled as the tornado threat diminished, though severe thunderstorm warnings stayed active. Local Storm Impacts: Rapid City-area residents were also warned to prepare for hail and strong winds, with additional storm rounds possible later. Forest Resilience Deal: The U.S. Forest Service and South Dakota signed a 5-year stewardship agreement to boost forest and grassland resilience, including wildfire-risk work. Fish Hatchery Funding: Gov. Rhoden launched a $3 million fundraising push for Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery upgrades in Waubay to support walleye production. Scam Alert: The BBB warned of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website impersonating a Castlewood family and stealing $35,000+ from buyers. Community Meals: Rapid City schools start a summer food service June 1 offering free meals for kids, with adult lunch support through partners.

Severe Weather Watch: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for western South Dakota, with a severe thunderstorm watch running until 9 p.m. Winds up to 70 mph and large hail are possible, with a brief tornado risk that’s diminishing. State Conservation & Fisheries: Gov. Larry Rhoden kicked off a $3 million fundraising push for upgrades at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery in Waubay, aiming to modernize aging infrastructure and expand production with new recirculating aquaculture systems and water filtration. Public Safety & Fraud: The BBB warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website impersonating a real Castlewood family business, with reported losses of $35,000+ after buyers were pushed to wire money for equipment that never arrived. Forest Resilience: The U.S. Forest Service and South Dakota signed a 5-year shared stewardship agreement to strengthen forest and grassland resilience, including wildfire risk reduction and active management. Child Care Access: A new South Dakota report finds out-of-school time care demand far outpaces supply, with cost, transportation, and location the biggest barriers for families. Local Food Support: Rapid City Area Schools launches a summer free meals program June 1, offering free breakfast and lunch for kids and additional lunch support for adults and seniors.