AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Watch: The South Fork Fire has burned 23,112 acres and is only 5% contained, with evacuations still in place around Fort Robinson State Park and parts of Crawford as crews battle dry fuels and strong winds. Water & Habitat Restoration: Rapid City’s Trinity Eco Prayer Park marks 10 years restoring native prairie and reclaiming stormwater runoff, while Greenway Days returns with creekside events meant to honor the 1972 flood and build community resilience. Wildlife Safety: Game, Fish and Parks is urging distance and calm around a rare Black Hills bear sighting in Spearfish, noting most bears are young males passing through during summer breeding season. Agriculture & Soil Health: SDSU Extension highlights precision livestock research at the Cottonwood Field Station and new work on swine manure’s effects on crop yields and soil health, as wet weather drags soybean planting in northeast South Dakota. Public Health: A new study finds childhood lead levels are down nationwide, but disparities persist—South Dakota is among the states showing higher exposure for children of color and low-wealth families. Climate Signals: NOAA forecasts northern lights chances for parts of northern South Dakota and warns El Niño is now officially in play, with potential impacts for next winter.

Bison on the move and in court: American Prairie and conservation groups have appealed the federal government’s decision to terminate bison grazing leases on Montana Bureau of Land Management parcels, arguing the move contradicts law and harms prairie restoration and tribal food sovereignty programs. Black Hills land return push: Nine South Dakota tribes have passed resolutions backing legislation to return federal Black Hills lands to the Great Sioux Nation, with supporters saying it could help protect water resources from mining and pollution. Fire impacts near the SD border: The South Fork Fire has burned more than 23,000 acres and is about 5% contained, with evacuations still in place around Fort Robinson State Park and parts of Crawford as crews defend threatened areas. Weather and farming stress: A northeast South Dakota farmer says steady rains are pushing soybean planting past the final date, while broader Plains conditions remain uneven with drought and fire risk signals. Water security studies advance: U.S. Senate committee action would fund $20 million in feasibility studies for Missouri River drinking-water pipeline planning for western and eastern South Dakota regions. Manure research spotlight: SDSU researchers are studying how swine manure affects crop yields and soil health across regions, aiming to move beyond anecdotal claims. EPA flaring clarification: EPA clarified when oil and gas producers can continue flaring associated gas after phase-out deadlines, including requirements tied to methane reductions. Local wildfire safety: Pennington County officials remind residents and visitors about campfire rules and equipment, especially during high grassland fire danger periods.

Water Security & Infrastructure: The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced two bills that would fund $20 million in feasibility studies for Missouri River drinking-water pipeline planning in South Dakota—no construction money, but a big step toward assessing the Western Dakota and Dakota Mainstem regional water systems. Local Water Supply: Sioux Falls put its new Well 25 into service, a $9.3 million horizontal collector well designed to boost capacity by more than 5 million gallons per day (peak 7 million) to keep up with growth and protect long-term aquifer sustainability. Energy & Climate Tech: South Dakota Mines highlighted carbon-capture-adjacent work inspired by microbes at SURF, pitching a new approach that could convert fossil fuels into “green energy” while cutting emissions. Wildlife & Agriculture Markets: The New World screwworm outbreak is already reshaping livestock and corn demand expectations, with South Dakota producers watching how the border disruption shifts corn from export to feed/residual use. Public Safety: Pennington County officials urged residents to follow campfire rules during high fire danger periods, including using designated rings or permits depending on where you are. Community & Environment: Rapid City’s Star Village celebrated restored street lighting after long-unlit poles were repaired, improving safety and visibility in a neighborhood revitalization effort.

Drinking Water Upgrade: Sioux Falls has put its new Well 25 into service, a modern horizontal collector well near the Big Sioux River that boosts capacity by 5+ million gallons per day (peak 7 million) and replaces a 1952-era well, supported by a $9.3 million project and federal grant funding. Air Quality & Dust Control: Rapid City is urging contractors to reduce soil disturbance during windy conditions, cover dusty loads, and use watering or other stabilization steps to protect local air quality. Severe Weather Watch: South Dakota and the region are bracing for storms and dangerous heat, with warnings for damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes, plus heat advisories highlighting health risks without cooling and hydration. Black Hills Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribes have passed resolutions backing draft legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, aiming to strengthen Tribal stewardship and protect sacred sites and water. Livestock & Crop Impacts: The New World screwworm detection is reshaping livestock movement and raising new concerns for producers, while South Dakota farmers are tracking how the outbreak and border changes could shift corn demand patterns. Energy & Fuel Policy: Senate leaders are working on a year-round E15 ethanol bill, a potential demand boost for corn growers, though Senate Environment Committee jurisdiction and Renewable Fuel Standard questions remain hurdles.

Severe Weather & Heat: South Dakota is bracing for a rough stretch of summer storms and extreme heat, with a Heat Advisory and a growing severe threat that could bring large hail, damaging straight-line winds, and isolated tornadoes—so officials are urging residents to stay weather-ready and protect vulnerable people. Air Quality & Dust: Rapid City is warning contractors and residents to cut dust during windy conditions, including covering loads, stabilizing soil, and using city air-quality tools to track when conditions turn unsafe. Black Hills Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribes have passed resolutions backing legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, with supporters saying it’s about protecting sacred sites and water while limiting extractive pressure. Wildlife & Livestock Health: New World screwworm detections are raising alarms for cattle producers across the northern Plains, since the fly targets living animals and can cause painful, expanding wounds. Grasslands Conservation: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced nearly $18.5 million in Great Plains grants to conserve native grasslands and support ranching communities. Outdoor Recreation: Rapid City’s dust-and-wind guidance and South Dakota’s upcoming GFP Commission meeting both point to a busy week for public land and wildlife management.

Air Quality & Dust: Rapid City warned residents that windy conditions can stir fine particles and pollutants, urging sensitive people to limit outdoor time and asking construction and industrial partners to reduce dust. Severe Weather Watch: The Sioux Falls office expanded an enhanced risk area for tonight, with large hail (up to 2 inches) and damaging straight-line winds (up to 75 mph) possible, plus a small tornado chance—especially after dark. Heat Advisory: Yankton is under a heat advisory Tuesday (1–9 p.m.) with highs near 100 and a heat index around 102, plus a 70% chance of storms Tuesday night. Black Hills Flood Anniversary: This week marks the 54th anniversary of the June 9–10, 1972 Rapid City flood, triggered by intense rainfall over the Rapid Creek basin and dam failures. Livestock Health Threat: New World screwworm detections are raising concerns for cattle across the northern Plains, since the fly targets living animals’ wounds and can rapidly worsen infections. Grassland Conservation Funding: NFWF announced nearly $18.5 million in Great Plains grants to conserve native grasslands and support ranching communities. Wildlife Management Meeting: The GFP Commission meets June 11–12 in Madison (and online) with major hunting-season decisions and aquatic invasive species planning on the agenda. Farm Bill Pressure: A South Dakota farmer said the current Farm Bill needs major changes, including how conservation and other dollars reach local producers. Data Centers & Rural Impacts: An editorial argues South Dakota’s debate over data centers is really about power and planning—transmission, water, roads, and long-term infrastructure strain on rural communities.

Carbon Pipeline Court Fight: A $15 million dispute tied to Summit Carbon Solutions’ planned carbon capture pipeline heads toward trial in Delaware after a pipe-contract standoff with Welspun Tubular. Wildfire Smoke & Health: A new study finds wildfires have reversed about four years of U.S. air-quality gains by worsening ozone levels, tied to hundreds of premature deaths each year. Heat & Storms in South Dakota: A heat advisory hits the Yankton area Tuesday with highs near 100 and a heat index around 102, plus a 70% chance of storms Tuesday night; more severe weather risk is also flagged for the region. Waterfowl Refuge Conflict: South Dakota repealed waterfowl refuge status for Lake Albert after surrounding landowners requested it—while one landowner is a Game, Fish and Parks supervisor whose ownership wasn’t disclosed to the commission. CAFO Environmental Training: SDSU Extension will host a one-day environmental training for CAFOs in Huron, covering odor, manure management, soil health, water quality, and permitting. Road Projects & Public Input: SDDOT plans public meetings on I-90 work in Sioux Falls (Exit 396–399 area) and Spearfish (Exit 10 reconstruction), with construction timelines and traffic changes.

Heat & Storms: A heat advisory hits the Yankton area Tuesday, with highs in the upper 90s near 100 and a heat index around 102, plus a 70% chance of storms Tuesday night. Wildlife & Waterfowl Policy: South Dakota officials repealed waterfowl refuge status for Lake Albert after surrounding landowners requested it—raising conflict-of-interest questions because one landowner is a Game, Fish and Parks supervisor whose ownership wasn’t disclosed. Black Hills Wildlife: Two abandoned cougar cubs from the Black Hills are now in Florida, after being found motherless and too young to return to the wild. CAFO Environmental Training: SDSU Extension will host a June 23 training for concentrated animal feeding operations in Huron, covering odor, manure management, soil health, water quality, and permitting. Black Hills Sacred-Site Fight: Nine tribes sued the federal government to stop exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’Sla, a meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps, arguing the agencies violated federal law and that wildlife could be harmed. Severe Weather Watch: A broader severe-storm setup is in the forecast for early next week, with meteorologists warning of renewed threats across the region.

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.