AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Recovery: A presidential disaster declaration was issued for South Dakota after June 28–July 3 windstorms, with more than $4.5 million in public infrastructure damage across eight counties and two reservations, plus an additional $1.7 million for the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Drought & Water Supply: Western South Dakota ranchers and residents report shallow wells running dry or slowing dramatically as heat and drought deepen aquifer stress; experts point to low snowpack, limited rainfall, and rising water demand. Wildlife & Habitat: South Dakota farmers are enrolling nearly 290,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, signaling a shift toward grass and conservation management that can support habitat—while farm bill talks continue. Livestock Health: South Dakota confirmed anthrax in a cattle herd in Meade County after exposure while grazing in Butte County; officials quarantined the herd and reminded ranchers not to move carcasses before diagnosis. Urban Environment: Rapid City is resuming weekly curbside recycling next week and adjusted holiday trash and transit schedules for Labor Day. Community & Air Quality: Fire weather is elevated in parts of western South Dakota with Red Flag Warnings, urging residents to avoid outdoor burning to prevent wildfires.

Livestock Health Alert: South Dakota confirmed anthrax in a cow-calf herd in Meade County, after suspected exposure while grazing in Butte County; the herd is quarantined and adult cattle are vaccinated, and officials urge ranchers not to move carcasses until diagnosis and proper disposal are confirmed. Urban Forestry & Insects: Brookings updated its ash tree removal rules because emerald ash borer is now widespread, allowing ash removals year-round to prevent hazardous dead or declining trees. Drought & Fire Risk: Extreme drought eased in parts of Nebraska, but long-term deficits remain, while western South Dakota is under Red Flag conditions for rising fire danger going into Labor Day. Storm Recovery: FEMA will reimburse up to 75% of public infrastructure repair costs from late June/early July storms affecting eight South Dakota counties and two reservations. Water Quality & Agriculture: Iowa’s cover-crop program hit record enrollment, targeting the Des Moines watershed to cut nitrate pollution in drinking-water sources. Recycling Update: Rapid City is resuming weekly curbside recycling pickup after a stretch of every-other-week service.

Severe Storm Recovery: FEMA will reimburse up to 75% of public infrastructure repair costs for storms that damaged roads, power systems, parks, and public facilities across eight South Dakota counties and two reservations in late June/early July, with additional aid for the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Recycling & Waste: Rapid City is back to weekly curbside recycling pickup after months on an every-other-week schedule. Conservation & Water Research: Ted Turner’s Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture is using a Nebraska/South Dakota prairie ranch as a “living laboratory,” studying bison grazing, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and soil and water impacts above the Ogallala Aquifer. Wildlife & Land Management: A drought-driven shift in deer behavior is being reported across the Northern Plains, with wildlife stress tied to weaker food availability. Energy & Power Lines: Local landowners in Pipestone County are pushing back on the proposed PowerOn Midwest 765 kV transmission line, asking commissioners for more answers about impacts. Climate Justice in Court: An appeals court vacated a 25-year sentence for a climate activist convicted of attacking energy infrastructure, saying the lower court improperly boosted the term based on alleged “terrorist motive.” Local Outdoor Access: Jewel Cave National Monument will switch to winter hours starting Sept. 8. Public Safety: AAA reports speeding is increasingly normalized by drivers, urging South Dakotans to follow posted limits and adjust for weather and road conditions.

Election & Energy Politics: South Dakota Sen. John Thune warned GOP Senate odds are tightening as Election Day nears, tying his concerns to President Trump’s policies—especially the push to import foreign beef to lower prices. Landfill Diversion & Biochar: Rapid City is moving toward a deal with Dakota Biochar to turn waste wood into soil product, aiming to extend landfill life and potentially keep rates down. Winter Tourism: Jewel Cave National Monument will shift to winter hours starting Sept. 8, open Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with tours weather permitting. Weather & Fire Risk: A forecast for western South Dakota highlights hot, dry conditions and breezy winds that raise near-critical to critical fire concerns, with only a small chance of stray showers. Severe Storm Impacts: Siouxland storms brought damaging winds and golf-ball-size hail, with some areas seeing meaningful rain. Agriculture Watch: USDA crop progress reports show Iowa corn development lagging behind typical pace, while conditions remain mostly good to excellent. Drought & Wildlife: Drought is reshaping animal behavior, including deer searching for food as winter survival odds worsen. Rural Health Tech: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $90 million in federal grants for digital health modernization across rural and underserved South Dakota.

Rural Health Tech Push: Gov. Larry Rhoden awarded 82 grants totaling $90 million to modernize rural health care systems, with a focus on cybersecurity and data interoperability. Landfill Diversion in Rapid City: The city is moving toward a deal with Dakota Biochar to turn waste wood into biochar, aiming to extend landfill life after a 2025 windstorm. Winter Prep for Black Hills Energy Customers: Rapid City-area customers are facing rising rates, and the utility is urging simple home efficiency steps to cut heating costs. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters flagged a likely severe thunderstorm watch across parts of northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota, with hail and damaging winds possible. Heat Impacts Schools: Several Rapid City-area schools released students early due to high temperatures, canceling after-school activities. Jewel Cave Winter Schedule: Jewel Cave National Monument will shift to winter hours starting Sept. 8, with limited daily tickets and reservation guidance. Agriculture Leadership: Vermillion farmer Jerry Schmitz was named an “Eminent Leader” in agriculture, family, and community, reflecting decades of soybean growth work. Grazing Policy Proposal: Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Rounds introduced the RANCH Act to expand grazing by converting marginal cropland into perennial grassland.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service says thunderstorms could hit central South Dakota later today, with threats including golf-ball-sized hail, 70 mph wind gusts, and an isolated tornado; storms may keep popping up through Thursday. Data Center Policy: Vermillion’s Planning & Zoning advanced data center ordinances but did not impose a moratorium after residents raised concerns about noise/light pollution, water and power demands, health risks, and quality-of-life impacts. Recycling Safety: Sioux Falls is urging residents to separate and recycle batteries after a battery fire risk showed up in the city’s recycling program—improper disposal can spark fires in collection and landfill equipment. Climate & Courts: Republican AGs escalated pressure on Big Four accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting, while AG Mike Hilgers touted a court win striking down New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act. Agriculture & Climate: Western South Dakota ranchers are bracing for a potentially warmer, drier winter tied to a strong El Niño forecast, with some planning to sell part of their herds early. Rural Resilience Funding: FEMA approved more than $6.6 million for South Dakota disaster recovery and resilience projects, including work for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the City of Madison.

Road Safety: A new AAA Foundation study finds many drivers treat speeding as normal—three in ten say “no one actually drives the speed limit,” and nearly half think keeping up with traffic is safer—despite speeding factoring into nearly 30% of 2024 traffic deaths. Local Land Use: Vermillion’s Planning & Zoning advanced data center ordinance work but did not impose a moratorium after a long public hearing where residents raised concerns about noise/light pollution, water and power demands, health risks, and quality of life. Disaster Resilience: FEMA approved more than $6.6 million for South Dakota recovery and resilience projects, including repairs tied to storms, tornadoes, flooding, and winter flooding for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the City of Madison. Climate & Water Impacts: Western South Dakota ranchers are bracing for a likely El Niño winter after forecasts point to above-90% odds of El Niño conditions developing; some say they may sell part of their herd early to protect feed supplies. Food Security: A South Dakota Food Landscape Assessment finds 30% of surveyed South Dakotans most likely to face food insecurity report skipping meals to stay within budget, and recommends ideas like produce prescriptions. Public Lands Access: The U.S. Forest Service launched a digital “passport” for national forests and grasslands, with check-in badges meant to encourage exploration.

Energy & Tribes: The U.S. Department of Energy ended a proposed Tribal Energy Access Corridor that would have spanned parts of North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, saying it wouldn’t cut costs or improve reliability—leaving northern Plains reservations without a key path to new transmission capacity. Wildlife & Habitat: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks rolled out major 2026 deer hunting rule changes, including pausing youth/mentored/apprentice deer seasons in nine southeastern counties to help herd recovery after drought, severe weather and EHD outbreaks. Water & Farms: SDSU Extension is hosting the 25th annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum in Owatonna, Minnesota (Oct. 1), focusing on agricultural drainage, water management, conservation and downstream water quality. Public Lands Access: The U.S. Forest Service launched a digital “passport” via the OuterSpatial app for national forests and grasslands, letting visitors earn verified check-in badges—an easy win for Black Hills outdoor fans. Local Roads & Safety: SDDOT is seeking public input on a Highway 385 project near Strawberry Hill that would affect a Forest Service recreation area under Section 4(f), with comments due Sept. 11. Community & Food Systems: A new Rapid City outdoor market opened amid controversy over competition with the Black Hills Farmers Market, after a vendor’s membership was revoked.

Severe Weather Watch: The Plains are heading into a muggy stretch with showers and stronger storms Tuesday through Thursday, and forecasters are flagging a Level 2 severe risk for Sept. 1 across parts of the lower Hudson Valley, with damaging wind and large hail the main threats. Federal Energy & Tribes: The U.S. Department of Energy has halted a proposed Tribal Energy Access transmission corridor that would have helped move reservation power to market across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska—tribal leaders say capacity limits are a major barrier. Public Lands Access: The Forest Service launched a digital passport for national forests and grasslands via the OuterSpatial app, letting visitors check in and collect verified badges—an easy win for Black Hills outdoor fans. Transportation & Recreation: SDDOT is seeking public input on a Highway 385 project near Strawberry Hill that would affect a Forest Service recreation area under Section 4(f), with comments due Sept. 11. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks rolled out major 2026 deer hunting changes, including pausing youth/mentored/apprentice seasons in nine southeastern counties and removing doe tags for bow and muzzleloader hunters. Community Recycling: Rapid City is bringing back weekly curbside recycling collection, after earlier disruptions.

Severe Weather Watch: The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 severe risk for Tuesday, Sept. 1, for the lower Hudson Valley, with rotating supercells possible and threats including damaging hail, strong winds, and an isolated tornado. Local Recycling: Rapid City is switching residential recycling back to weekly pickup starting Aug. 31 after public feedback pushed the change from every-other-week. Farm & Wildlife Health: Federal bird flu trackers resumed after a near-month gap, with new H5N1 detections including a large South Dakota poultry outbreak in Edmunds County (29,700 birds) and another in Brule County (2,800). Energy & Land Use: The Legislative Research Council released a draft issue memo on hyperscale data centers, flagging how much power and water these facilities could demand as projects like a planned 500-MW Sioux Falls site move forward. Community Resilience: South Dakota fire departments are heading to Texas to help fight the Ross Fire, where reports cite major acreage growth and structure losses. Pollinator Habitat: SDSU Extension and Union County Electric finished a 4-H Prairie Roots project, transplanting native wildflowers beneath solar arrays to support pollinators.

Rapid City Recycling: Rapid City Solid Waste is restoring weekly curbside recycling starting Aug. 31 after public feedback pushed back against the earlier every-other-week schedule. Local Food & Markets: A new Black Hills Producers Market opened in Rapid City, but the launch is tied to controversy over a vendor’s removal from the long-running Black Hills Farmers Market. Pollinator Habitat + Solar: SDSU Extension and Union County Electric Cooperative wrapped up a yearlong Prairie Roots project by transplanting native wildflowers beneath solar arrays to boost pollinator-friendly habitat. Bird Flu Watch: Federal bird flu trackers resumed after a long gap, with new H5N1 detections including outbreaks in South Dakota dairy and poultry operations. Water & Drought: A drought update shows worsening conditions creeping into parts of the Dakotas and nearby areas, with limited near-term relief. Wildfire Mutual Aid: Several South Dakota fire departments are sending engines to Texas to help fight the Ross Fire. Federal Parks Funding: The National Park Foundation is urging Congress to reauthorize a fund that has supported major South Dakota park and wildlife refuge projects.

Recycling Reboot in Rapid City: Rapid City is restoring weekly curbside recycling starting Aug. 31 after public feedback pushed back against the earlier every-other-week change. Wildlife & Water Protection on the Road: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a draft Section 4(f) evaluation for Highway 15 work near the Lake Sutton game production area, where erosion-prone road sections would be reshaped with easements. Drought Watch: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening dry conditions creeping into parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota, with some areas sliding into severe drought. Bird Flu Update: Federal trackers resumed after a long quiet stretch, reporting new H5N1 detections including a large poultry outbreak in Edmunds County, South Dakota. Solar + Prairie for Pollinators: Union County Electric’s solar arrays now host transplanted native wildflowers from a year-long 4-H Prairie Roots project aimed at building pollinator habitat. Public Lands Funding Push: The National Park Foundation is urging Congress to reauthorize a fund that has backed major South Dakota park and wildlife refuge projects, including Badlands and Lake Andes. Weather & Outdoor Risk: Corn Palace weekend forecasts call for heat and humidity with storm chances Friday night. Wildfire Mutual Aid: South Dakota fire departments are sending engines to Texas to help fight the Ross Fire.

Bird Flu Watch: Federal H5N1 trackers were quiet for nearly a month before new detections landed—small in scale, but including a reported Edmunds County outbreak affecting 29,700 birds and a Brule County outbreak tied to 2,800 birds, underscoring how fast animal disease can move. Recycling Policy: Rapid City is restoring weekly curbside recycling starting Aug. 31 after public feedback pushed back against the earlier every-other-week schedule. Drought & Water Signals: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening conditions creeping into parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota, with a small severe-drought patch near the SD/MN border. Energy Resilience: South Dakota is being urged to harden homes against outages using a solar-plus-battery utility approach, modeled on a Michigan program that helps residents add generation and storage. Wildlife Habitat Road Work: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a Highway 15 reconstruction in Deuel County that would affect the Lake Sutton game production area under federal 4(f) rules, including easements to address erosion. Public Lands Funding: The National Park Foundation is pressing Congress to reauthorize a fund that has backed major South Dakota park and refuge projects, including Badlands headquarters and Lake Andes refuge repairs. Agriculture Conservation Deadlines: NRCS conservation program applications (EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and limited RCPP) are due Sept. 29, 2026, for FY27 funding.

Conservation Funding Fight: The National Park Foundation is urging Congress to reauthorize the Great American Outdoors Act’s National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, citing more than $130 million invested in South Dakota projects like Badlands headquarters, Wounded Knee District School renovations, and Lake Andes flood-damaged building repairs—while noting a $290+ million deferred maintenance backlog. Farm Water & Soil Help: NRCS is accepting statewide applications for EQIP, CSP, and ACEP, with RCPP limited to specific Belle Fourche Irrigation District laterals and an irrigation efficiency/soil health effort; the deadline is Sept. 29. Grasslands Resilience: The South Dakota Grassland Coalition will hold its Grasslands in Action conference Dec. 3–4 at Box Elder, focusing on grazing, drought resilience, profitability, and legal/business planning for ranch families. Roads vs. Wildlife Habitat: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a draft FHWA Section 4(f) de minimis evaluation for Highway 15 work near the Lake Sutton game production area, including easements to address erosion. Local Infrastructure Grants: The Transportation Commission awarded about $3.5 million for 40 local bridge projects statewide. Weather & Risk: Forecasts point to a warm weekend with showers and thunderstorms possible starting tonight into Saturday, plus additional storm chances early next week. Water Cybersecurity: CISA says more than 100 internet-exposed water systems were targeted in July, with South Dakota among the states reporting incidents. Public Health Reminder: The Red Cross is pushing September blood and platelet donations, warning supplies remain vulnerable as back-to-school schedules tighten.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: CISA says it saw malicious activity targeting 100+ internet-exposed water and wastewater systems in July, often hitting programmable logic controllers tied to cellular modems; South Dakota is among the states named, raising alarms about how vulnerable small utilities can be. Severe Weather & Heat: Forecasts point to more storm chances across parts of the Dakotas and the Upper Midwest, plus a hot weekend with highs pushing into the 90s and even lower 100s in the region. Local Infrastructure: The SDDOT Transportation Commission awarded about $3.5 million for 40 local bridge projects statewide, while Pierre’s Euclid Avenue work includes a Sunday traffic-signal cabinet replacement at Sioux Avenue and Pierre Street. Community Stewardship: South Dakota Mines is hosting “Philosophy in the Park” at Trinity Eco Prayer Park to discuss how communities can better manage shared resources, including stormwater-filtering native plants. Recycling & Public Services: Rapid City is bringing back weekly curbside recycling pickup starting next week. Agriculture & Drought: The latest drought picture remains grim in parts of the Plains, with widespread abnormal dryness and ongoing stress on crops and livestock. Fire & Health: Two southeast South Dakota volunteer fire departments received $10,000 State Farm grants for firefighter safety equipment, and local coverage highlights heat impacts on students returning to classrooms without air conditioning.

Recycling Returns: Rapid City is bringing back weekly curbside recycling starting next week after switching to every-other-week service in May, with bins out by 7 a.m. and kept at least four feet from other cans. Shared-Resource Stewardship: A free “Philosophy in the Park” discussion in Rapid City will focus on the “tragedy of the commons” and practical ways communities can protect shared spaces like Trinity Eco Prayer Park, which uses native plants to filter stormwater. Drought Pressure: A new drought update shows spring wheat and other crops heavily impacted, with 80% of spring wheat acres in drought conditions and livestock also facing worsening dryness. Water Security: Federal officials say more than 100 internet-exposed water and wastewater systems were targeted in July, including reports from South Dakota, underscoring the risk to drinking-water infrastructure. Data Center Politics: Democratic candidates signed a Data Center Accountability pledge, promising to push for protections around costs and “environmental harms” tied to data center expansion. Hunting Access: NWTF and Pheasants Forever expanded public hunting access across the Dakotas through PATH, adding more than 10,000 acres of new public parcels.