AGP Executive Report

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.

Energy & Permitting: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a draft Section 4(f) “de minimis” evaluation for a U.S. Highway 385 curve reconstruction near the Strawberry Hill picnic area and fishing pond in Lawrence County. Courts & Governance: South Dakota’s court administrator is proposing to merge the 4th and 7th judicial circuits under one presiding judge, but judges and attorneys are pushing back at public hearings. Water & Cybersecurity: Federal officials say July saw attacks on 100+ internet-exposed water systems, with South Dakota among states targeted—raising alarms about how utilities manage remote access and internet-connected controls. Agriculture & Climate Policy: The White House is asking EPA to approve more small-refinery biofuel waivers to ease pump prices, a move that could anger Midwest farm and biofuel interests. Local Environment & Community: A “Philosophy in the Park” discussion at Trinity Eco Prayer Park in Rapid City will focus on how communities manage shared resources, with the park filtering stormwater using native plants. Livestock & Land Use: Belle Dairy received a state feedlot permit for a proposed 25,000-cow dairy in Edmunds County after county approval, clearing a major regulatory step. Public Safety: Two volunteer fire departments in South Dakota received State Farm Good Neighbor grants for firefighter safety equipment.

Drought & Wildfire Risk: A new national look at the driest conditions in the U.S. points to record heat and drought as a dangerous combo for wildfire growth, with dozens of states seeing drought at some point this year. South Dakota Climate Accountability: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a 16-state coalition challenging Big Four accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting pushes, arguing they could raise costs for small businesses and consumers. Digital Safety & Youth Harm: Missouri and Utah announced massive multistate settlements with Meta over alleged addictive design and mental-health harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with court-ordered safety reforms. Local Weather Watch: Western South Dakota and the Black Hills face a mostly dry day with only a marginal severe-storm risk, followed by breezier conditions and another small chance of storms. Bird Migration: BirdCast forecasts more than 200 million migrating birds moving over the next two nights, with the heaviest concentrations expected around Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Mitchell Growth & Roads: Mitchell’s fall transition includes ongoing street work and development, with construction impacts continuing into September. Tourism Planning: Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail were selected for South Dakota’s Destination Development Program, aiming to grow rural, community-led tourism. Water Trail Spotlight: The Missouri River Water Trail’s selection highlights continued investment in outdoor recreation and visitor experiences across the region. SDSU Agriculture Legacy: SDSU will dedicate a sculpture honoring Edgar McFadden and his “Hope” wheat variety, credited with saving millions from starvation. Rapid City Roads: Crews will start bridge deck chip seal projects around Rapid City starting Aug. 31, with lane reductions and stop-sign traffic control. Sioux Falls Data Centers: Minnehaha County began public discussion on draft data center regulations, including limits on larger “hyperscale” facilities.

Tourism & Waterways: Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail were selected for Travel South Dakota’s Destination Development Program, aiming to boost rural visitor experiences with planning help and grant opportunities. Climate & Consumer Watchdog: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a 16-state coalition challenging the “Big Four” accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting pushes, arguing added compliance costs could hit small businesses and consumers. Wildlife Migration: BirdCast forecasts more than 200 million migratory birds moving over the next two nights, with the heaviest concentrations expected around Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Agriculture & Land Values: A Farm Credit report says Midwest and High Plains farmland values have stayed steady so far in 2026, including South Dakota, despite tight margins. Public Health Funding Debate: Rural Health Transformation money is drawing scrutiny in South Dakota town halls, with critics saying it may not reach frontline mental health care needs. Energy & Permitting Politics (Out of State): Montana’s energy task force recommends changing its Public Service Commission from elected to appointed, reflecting broader regional pressure over reliable, affordable power. Infrastructure: Rapid City-area bridge deck chip seal work begins Aug. 31, with traffic reduced to one lane on key routes. Native Land Protection (National): A coalition of tribes and organizers reportedly drove out a mining company from sacred Black Hills prairie land in days.

Climate Policy & Accountability: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a 16-state coalition warning the “Big Four” accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) that climate-related financial reporting pushes could conflict with audit independence and consumer protection, while shifting compliance costs onto small businesses and everyday South Dakotans. Severe Weather: Western South Dakota saw damaging thunderstorms with large hail and strong winds, including reports of ping-pong-ball hail near Prairie City and up to 1.75-inch hail around the southern Black Hills. Water & Cybersecurity: A national alert about cyberattacks on water and wastewater systems is prompting preemptive security steps in other states, with South Dakota listed among those that have confirmed attacks. Wildlife & Grasslands: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever highlighted steep grassland losses and their PATH public-access habitat program in South Dakota, aimed at boosting wildlife habitat and access. Local Infrastructure: SDDOT scheduled Rapid City-area bridge deck chip seal work starting Aug. 31, with lane reductions and stop-sign controls on Highway 44 and US 16B through mid-October. Agriculture Trade: Nikki Gronli criticized renewed Canada tariffs as a direct hit to South Dakota’s top trading partner and a threat to farmers, ranchers, and small manufacturers. Native Land Protection: A new report describes how tribes and organizers drove out a mining company from sacred Black Hills prairie land in days, underscoring fast-moving resistance when communities coordinate.

Climate & Consumer Protection: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a 16-state coalition challenging the “Big Four” accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting, arguing the push could raise costs for small businesses and consumers while conflicting with audit independence. Water & Cybersecurity: A national warning about cyberattacks on water and wastewater systems is prompting states to bolster defenses; South Dakota is named among those that have confirmed attacks. Severe Weather: Western South Dakota saw damaging storms with large hail and strong winds, including reports near Prairie City, Fairburn, and Pactola Reservoir. Air Quality & Public Input: Public Citizen urged the EPA to keep minimum public participation rules for minor air pollution permitting, warning proposed changes would reduce community say. Uranium Permitting: The state advanced one southern Black Hills uranium project by approving a socioeconomic impact study for the Dewey-Burdock mine, while another exploration effort remains stalled amid legal and interpretation-service disputes. Local Resilience & Infrastructure: Rapid City airports and transit updates highlighted ongoing needs—from airport expansion requests to free Youth Ride Free orientation rides—while roadwork continues to reshape travel around the Rapid City area. Food Safety: Alfalfa sprouts tied to E. coli and salmonella illnesses triggered a multistate recall, with South Dakota among the affected states.

Black Hills Uranium Watch: The South Dakota Minerals and Environment Board approved Powertech’s request to commission a socioeconomic impact study for the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mine near Edgemont, while a separate southern Black Hills drilling proposal remains stalled as the board seeks guidance on a new state law requiring language interpretation services. Roads & Water Infrastructure: Rapid City drivers face multiple projects, including a West Main Street lane closure starting Aug. 24 for concrete replacement and ongoing I-90 Exit 46 interchange work near Piedmont with reduced lanes through November. Severe Weather Alert: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for parts of western South Dakota, with storms after 2 p.m. bringing a main threat of large hail and damaging winds, plus a low tornado risk. Prairie Health & Pollution: SDSU Extension says recurring algae blooms in South Dakota prairie potholes are driven by rising water temperatures and nutrient pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus—factors that shape toxin risk. Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprouts and related products after E. coli and Salmonella illnesses tied to sprouts across 15 states. RANCH Act Grazing Push: Sen. Mike Rounds and Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan RANCH Act to incentivize converting marginal cropland into grazing land, aiming to expand grazing acres and support wildlife habitat.

Wildlife & Public Health: A rabies-positive bat was found on the Historic Lantern Tour route at Jewel Cave National Monument, prompting warnings to keep distance and seek medical care immediately if any contact is suspected. Food Safety: Federal health officials say a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has spread to 15 states, with 55 illnesses reported and product recalls underway. Drought & Livestock: Dry conditions in parts of South Dakota are pushing cattle off pasture early as hay and forage supplies shrink, forcing faster feed and crop plan changes. Water Quality & Pollution: SDSU Extension says recurring prairie pothole algae blooms are driven by rising water temperatures plus nitrogen and phosphorus, with night temperatures warming faster than days. Animal Health: South Dakota wildlife officials are asking the public to report sick or dead deer as hemorrhagic disease spreads, which has already changed deer license allocations. Severe Weather: A First Alert Weather Day was declared for storms in the northern and central Black Hills, with large hail the main threat. Land & Habitat: Good Earth State Park hosted its first Prairie Fest, spotlighting South Dakota grasslands and prairie biodiversity through guided tours and birding.

Extreme Weather Snapshot: South Dakota’s climate can swing fast, with the state’s hottest recorded day at 120°F (Usta, July 15, 2006) and a separate “warmest year-round” spot highlighted in a new look at where the heat sticks. Cybersecurity & Local Services: A Rapid City-area water system and other South Dakota local governments have faced cyberattacks, and the SecureSD program meant to help communities is running short on time and money. Prairie Water Quality: SDSU Extension says recurring algae blooms in Wall Lake and other prairie potholes are driven by rising water temperatures plus nitrogen and phosphorus cycling—factors people can’t fully control. Food Safety: CDC and FDA updates tie a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak to alfalfa sprouts, with cases now reported across 15 states including South Dakota. Wildlife Health: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is asking the public to report sick or dead deer as hemorrhagic disease spreads, with license changes already underway in affected units. Grasslands & Fire: The South Dakota Prescribed Burn Association and SDSU Extension plan a field demonstration on woody encroachment management, focusing on how fire can restore native grasses and wildflowers. Prairie Conservation Culture: Good Earth State Park hosted its first Prairie Fest, using guided walks and birding to help people see prairies as living, changing ecosystems—not just “green stuff.”

Grasslands & prairie education: Good Earth State Park hosted the first Prairie Fest, including a “Prairie Reborn” tour and birding, with Game, Fish and Parks staff stressing that prairies are living, changing ecosystems—not just “green stuff.” Wildlife health: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is asking the public to report sick or dead deer as hemorrhagic disease spreads, noting license changes and possible refunds for hunters in heavily impacted units. Public health food safety: CDC and FDA say an alfalfa-sprout-linked E. coli and salmonella outbreak has spread to 15 states, with 55 cases reported nationally and hospitalizations in the mix—South Dakota is among the affected states. Tribal health alert: Hantavirus was detected on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and officials urge precautions as rodents may move indoors during changing weather. Land & fire management: The Southeast Dakota Prescribed Burn Association and SDSU Extension plan a field demonstration on woody encroachment management near Yankton, with plant ID and guidance for using fire to improve native grasslands. Energy infrastructure: Tallgrass announced a 30-day open season for incentive tariff rates tied to crude oil transportation on the Pony Express Pipeline. Local roads: Sioux Falls roadwork begins Aug. 24-25, including lane reductions and ADA repairs that will affect traffic.