Grassland Recovery: South Dakota’s Second Century Habitat Fund won nearly $8 million in federal funding to restore 7,500 acres of marginal cropland to perennial grasslands. Voluntary agreements will support managed grazing and haying while improving wildlife habitat, soil health and water infiltration. Uranium Mining: State officials have opened public comment on permits for the proposed Dewey-Burdock mine in the Black Hills. The in-situ process would alter groundwater chemistry to extract uranium, raising concerns about contamination of aquifers. Badlands Wildlife: An endangered black-footed ferret, once thought extinct, has been spotted in Badlands National Park, where conservation efforts have rebuilt the population to an estimated 120 animals. Wetland Protection: USDA funding will help add four sites to South Dakota’s wetland mitigation banking program, expected to generate about 120 credits for agricultural producers. Lead Threat: Rapid City’s beloved bald eagle Hope died from severe lead poisoning. The source is unknown, but wildlife advocates urge hunters and anglers to use lead-free ammunition and tackle to reduce risks to scavenging birds.
AGP Executive Report
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Wildlife Recovery: An endangered black-footed ferret once thought extinct has been spotted in Badlands National Park. The park’s population is estimated at about 120 after decades of conservation work. Lead Threat: Rapid City’s famed bald eagle Hope died from lead poisoning. The source is unknown; the Black Hills Raptor Center is urging hunters and anglers to switch to non-lead ammunition and tackle. Grassland Restoration: A South Dakota initiative won nearly $8 million in USDA funding to restore 7,500 acres of marginal cropland to grassland, supporting wildlife habitat and livestock producers. Water Permits: The proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mine is seeking state permits to use groundwater in its extraction process. Critics warn the process could mobilize contaminants in an aquifer that extends beyond South Dakota. Wetland Protection: USDA funding will help an existing South Dakota mitigation banking program add four sites in eastern parts of the state, expected to generate about 120 credits. Recycling: Rapid City has 12 drop-off locations for broken holiday lights and cords; the program collected a record four tons last season.
Grassland Recovery: South Dakota’s Second Century Habitat Fund won nearly $8 million in USDA funding to restore 7,500 acres of marginal cropland to grassland, supporting wildlife habitat and grazing under voluntary 10-year agreements. Water and Mining: A commentary warns that proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mining could alter groundwater chemistry and threaten a regional aquifer. State officials are weighing permits for the project. Waste and Recycling: Rapid City is urging residents to compost or properly dispose of pumpkins and reuse costumes; broken holiday lights can go to city recycling drop-offs. Wildlife and Lead: The Black Hills Raptor Center says locally known bald eagle Hope died from lead poisoning. Officials are urging hunters and anglers to choose lead-free ammunition and tackle to reduce risks to wildlife. Wetlands: USDA funding will help South Dakota’s existing wetland mitigation program add four eastern-state bank sites, expected to generate about 120 credits.
Grassland Restoration: South Dakota’s Second Century Habitat Fund will receive nearly $8 million in USDA funding to shift 7,500 acres of marginal cropland into perennial grasslands, supporting wildlife habitat, soil health and livestock producers through voluntary agreements. Mining and Water: A commentary urges close scrutiny as the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mine seeks state permits to alter groundwater chemistry, warning that potential impacts to a regional aquifer merit public attention. Wildlife and Lead: Hope, a well-known Canyon Lake bald eagle, died from severe lead poisoning. The Black Hills Raptor Center is urging hunters and anglers to choose lead-free ammunition and tackle to reduce risks to wildlife. Wetlands: USDA funding will help South Dakota’s existing wetland mitigation program establish four new sites in eastern South Dakota, expected to generate about 120 credits. Waste and Recycling: Rapid City residents can compost or dispose of pumpkins at yard-waste sites and recycle broken holiday lights at city drop-offs; costumes in usable condition can be saved or donated.
Wildlife: Canyon Lake’s well-known bald eagle Hope died from severe lead poisoning. The source is unknown, but Black Hills Raptor Center urges hunters and anglers to switch to lead-free ammunition and tackle; a program offers free copper ammunition to eligible hunters. Wetlands: USDA is providing $4.4 million for seven mitigation-bank projects, including four new sites in eastern South Dakota expected to generate about 120 credits. Waste: Rapid City’s holiday-light recycling program opens Sunday at 12 locations; residents recycled a record four tons of lights and cords last season. Fire Safety: Black Hills slash-pile permits open Nov. 1, but officials say permits aren’t enough: piles require the specified snow cover, and residents must monitor them until fully cold. Climate: A new state-by-state study found South Dakota among the states with the lowest warming trends from 1980 to 2022. Mining: A company is seeking state permits for a uranium mine, opening a public-comment period.
Winter Readiness: South Dakota officials warn that fast-moving storms can bring heavy, wet snow, power outages and frozen pipes; residents are urged to prepare before severe weather hits. Black Hills Fire Safety: Slash-pile burn permits open Nov. 1, but burning requires enough snow on the ground—2 inches for small piles and 6 for larger ones—and safe conditions to last. A prescribed burn is also planned west of Custer, weather permitting. Mining Permits: Public comment is open as a company seeks state permits for a uranium mine. Environmental Education: Oglala Lakota College won approval for a 36-credit master’s in environmental science, aimed at preparing students to address challenges in their communities.
Black Hills Fire Safety: Slash-pile permits open Nov. 1, but a permit is no green light: small piles need 2 inches of continuous snow and larger piles 6 inches. Officials also plan a 702-acre prescribed burn west of Custer if conditions allow. Uranium Permits: Powertech is restarting state review of its Dewey-Burdock mine near Edgemont after a 14-year stalemate. Public comments are due Nov. 9, ahead of a hearing. Bison Restoration: Thunder Valley CDC released 50 bison onto nearly 40,000 acres in the Stronghold area of Pine Ridge Reservation, advancing restoration on culturally significant land. Tribal Environmental Education: Oglala Lakota College won approval for a master’s degree in environmental science aimed at addressing challenges in local communities. Wildfire Resilience: Western South Dakota electric cooperatives received $4.4 million in federal funding to bury power lines in high-risk areas. Missouri River: Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River will hold a public meeting Nov. 12 in Vermillion to share its work and plans.
Uranium Permitting: Powertech is restarting South Dakota’s state permit process for the Dewey-Burdock uranium mine near Edgemont, after a 14-year stalemate. Public comments are due Nov. 9. Black Hills Fire Risk: Officials warn that snow doesn’t make slash-pile burning safe; permits open Nov. 1, but changing weather can let fires escape. A separate 702-acre prescribed burn west of Custer is planned if conditions allow. Wildfire Resilience: Western South Dakota electric cooperatives received $4.4 million toward burying power lines in wildfire-prone areas near Spearfish, Newell and Sturgis. Wildlife Restoration: Thunder Valley CDC celebrated releasing 50 bison onto nearly 40,000 acres in the Stronghold area of Pine Ridge Reservation. Environmental Education: Oglala Lakota College won approval for a master’s degree in environmental science, designed to prepare students to address challenges in their communities.
Uranium Mine Review: Powertech has reopened South Dakota’s permitting process for the Dewey-Burdock uranium project, proposed across nearly 20 square miles in Custer and Fall River counties, about 13 miles from Edgemont. Public comments are due Nov. 9. The project has been stalled for 14 years amid legal challenges. Black Hills Fire Risk: Officials warn that snow can melt quickly and slash piles may smolder for months; permits run Nov. 1 through March 31, but burning still depends on safe conditions. Separately, the Forest Service plans a 702-acre prescribed burn west of Custer, weather permitting. Wildfire Resilience: Western South Dakota electric cooperatives received $4.4 million to bury power lines in high-risk areas near Spearfish, Newell and Sturgis. Bison Restoration: Thunder Valley CDC released 50 bison onto nearly 40,000 acres in the Stronghold area of Pine Ridge Reservation, advancing restoration on land once used as a military bombing range.
Data Center Debate: Hundreds packed Sioux Falls’ Carnegie Town Hall for a public discussion with city and Lincoln County officials about data centers. A proposed moratorium and ban on nondisclosure agreements failed at an earlier meeting, keeping questions about local oversight in focus. Farming and the Environment: South Dakota State University researchers explain how feed choices shape manure nutrients, soil health and emissions, and point to more efficient nutrient management and manure recycling as ways to reduce impacts. Energy Choices: A proposed natural-gas plant near Aberdeen and public opposition to a 765-kilovolt transmission line put South Dakota’s energy decisions in the spotlight. Wildlife and Winter: A South Dakota nonprofit marked a milestone in bison restoration, while state officials urged residents to prepare homes and vehicles for winter storms.
Utility Oversight: Montana regulators delayed a vote on the NorthWestern Energy–Black Hills Energy merger until Nov. 10, giving the public more time to review a proposed condition involving the companies’ share of the Colstrip power plant. Energy Projects: A natural-gas power plant has been proposed near Aberdeen, while public comments to South Dakota regulators have voiced opposition to a separate 765-kilovolt transmission line. Bison Restoration: Nearly 300 people gathered on Pine Ridge for the release of 50 bison onto a 40,000-acre range unit. Thunder Valley CDC hopes the herd will help restore native grasses and other plants. Prairie Wetlands: Federal wildlife officials are seeking feedback on a rule setting drain-tile setbacks around protected wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region, amid landowner lawsuits challenging the policy.
Bison Restoration: Thunder Valley CDC released 50 bison into a nearly 40,000-acre range on Pine Ridge, aiming to restore native grasses and other plants while returning bison to culturally significant land. Energy Projects: NorthWestern Energy is seeking approval for a $300 million natural-gas plant near Aberdeen, while a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line drew objections from South Dakota landowners at a PUC hearing. Wildlife & Science: Wind Cave National Park will host hands-on science sessions for 12 students, and Black Hills officials are marking Bat Week with a focus on bats’ habitats and benefits. Rosebud Sioux Tribe wildlife staff are also investigating a mountain lion sighting near Corn Creek. Weather Risks: A new study ranks South Dakota among the top five states for 10 natural hazards, including hail, flooding, tornadoes and extreme cold. Local Energy Use: A proposed 10-megawatt cryptocurrency mining facility in Madison would use a dry-cooling system and operate on a self-sufficient water supply, according to the company.
Energy Permitting: South Dakota’s PUC chair objects to a federal bill that could give Washington final say over electric transmission permits. Residents also voiced opposition to a proposed 765-kilovolt line crossing farmland. Data Center Demand: Madison approved agreements for a proposed 10-megawatt cryptocurrency mining facility. The company says it will use a self-contained cooling system and allow the city to interrupt power use. Winter Weather: The first significant snowfall could bring several inches to the Black Hills, with slushy conditions possible in Rapid City. Wildlife: Rosebud Sioux Tribe rangers are investigating a mountain lion sighting near Corn Creek and urge residents to watch pets and report sightings. Conservation Education: A new grant will bring 12 students to Wind Cave National Park for wildlife observation and hands-on science projects.
Solar Jobs: Pine Ridge’s Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center earned national recognition. It has trained more than 1,100 people, with about 80% of graduates finding solar work. Energy and Development: A major Sioux Falls meeting is set on a proposed hyperscale data center, bringing the project into public view. Groundwater Protections: An 8th Circuit case challenges the EPA’s reading of aquifer rules for a South Dakota uranium mine, with potential consequences for groundwater safeguards. Drought and Agriculture: A cattle-market report says drought in western South Dakota helped drive herd liquidation, underscoring the strain dry conditions can place on ranchers. Prairie and Wildlife: Native prairie seed efforts and bison restoration initiatives highlight ongoing work to protect South Dakota’s grasslands and wildlife.
Weather: A slow-moving storm could bring 1 to 3 inches of rain to western South Dakota, with several inches of snow possible in the Black Hills and slushy conditions in Rapid City. Wildlife Conservation: Asha, a snow leopard from Sioux Falls’ Great Plains Zoo, has joined a breeding program aimed at sustaining the vulnerable species. Data Center Concerns: Sioux Falls and Lincoln County officials meet Tuesday on a proposed hyperscale data center between Brandon and Sioux Falls; opponents warn of heavy demands on electricity and water, as well as noise and pollution. Prairie Restoration: SDSU researchers are studying how native-seed networks work, with the goal of strengthening supplies for prairie restoration and its benefits to soil, water and wildlife. Uranium Mine Oversight: The Eighth Circuit told the EPA it misread an aquifer rule in a case involving a South Dakota uranium mine.
Wildlife Rescue: A Spearfish couple and passersby freed a great horned owl tangled in a barbed-wire fence, highlighting the risks wildlife face around rural infrastructure. Data Center Debate: Sioux Falls and Lincoln County officials are set to discuss a proposed 500-megawatt data center near Brandon on Oct. 27. Critics warn of heavy energy and water demand, noise and pollution; those concerns remain part of the public debate. Energy and Water: NorthWestern Energy has applied to build another natural-gas plant near Aberdeen, while a Pine Ridge solar nonprofit is training workers for clean-energy jobs. Mining Oversight: Challengers have told the 8th Circuit that the EPA misread an aquifer rule tied to a South Dakota uranium mine, raising questions about groundwater protections. Prairie Restoration: SDSU researchers studying native-seed networks say stronger local systems can help restore prairie, improve soil and water quality, and support wildlife and pollinators.
Data Center Scrutiny: Sioux Falls and Lincoln County officials are set to discuss the proposed Gemini hyperscale data center near Brandon on Oct. 27. Opponents warn its power and water demands could strain local resources. Water Protections: A federal appeals-court dispute over EPA’s interpretation of aquifer rules at a South Dakota uranium mine puts groundwater safeguards in focus. Prairie Restoration: SDSU researchers say stronger networks of native-seed collectors, growers and sellers can help restore prairie, improve water quality and support wildlife. Clean Energy Jobs: A Pine Ridge solar nonprofit is training workers for careers in the growing industry. Weather and Drought: Recent moisture has eased drought in parts of the region, but officials warned of high fire danger.
Data Center Debate: Sioux Falls and Lincoln County officials will meet Tuesday about the proposed Gemini data center between Brandon and Sioux Falls. Critics warn its power and water demands could strain local resources; a public meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Carnegie Town Hall. Prairie Restoration: South Dakota State researchers are studying the people and networks behind native-seed production, a foundation for restoring prairie, improving soil and water quality, and supporting wildlife. Wind Energy: The Pentagon has advanced a proposed South Dakota wind project after national security reviews stalled developments; wind groups say other reviews remain delayed. Water Protection: Opponents of a proposed South Dakota uranium mine told an appeals court the EPA wrongly exempted an aquifer from drinking-water protections. Solar Jobs: Pine Ridge’s Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center, which trains Native American adults for solar-industry jobs, received a national award.
Prairie Restoration: South Dakota State researchers are mapping the people and partnerships behind native-seed production, a key resource for rebuilding prairie and improving soil, water quality and wildlife habitat. Renewable Energy: Pine Ridge’s Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center is training workers for solar careers. The Pentagon has advanced proposed wind projects in South Dakota, though developers say reviews remain stalled elsewhere. Water Protections: Opponents of a proposed South Dakota uranium mine are asking the Eighth Circuit to reject the EPA’s reasoning for exempting an aquifer from drinking-water protections. Wildlife and Fire Risk: A habitat license-plate program is funding Northern Hills wildlife projects, while officials warn that warm, dry and windy conditions could raise fire danger.
Fire Danger: Warm, dry, windy conditions put South Dakota grasslands at elevated fire risk Friday, with harvest activity a particular concern. Yankton County issued a temporary burn ban. Clean Energy: Pine Ridge’s Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center is training Native American workers for solar jobs and has earned a national award. The Pentagon also cleared proposed wind projects in South Dakota after national security reviews stalled development. Water Protection: Opponents of a proposed South Dakota uranium mine told an appeals court the EPA wrongly exempted an aquifer from drinking-water protections. Water Supply: Western South Dakota officials are seeking federal approval for a feasibility study of a 165-mile pipeline from the Missouri River, a project that could take decades to complete. Wildlife Habitat: South Dakota’s conservation license plates have raised about $229,000 for projects including forest restoration, invasive-plant removal and native grassland plantings. Severe Weather: A major hail study is examining growing storm risks; Vivian, South Dakota, still holds U.S. records for the largest-diameter and heaviest hailstones.
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