On September 13th FBSR and Augustana’s Center for Western Studies are bringing Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial writer Art Cullen (from Storm Lake, Iowa) to Sioux Falls to discuss agricultural pollution and the influence of corporate agriculture on farming practices.
Southwest Minnesota is seeing an increase in unregulated tile drainage, which is threatening the state's water quality. These developments serve as an example of poor land management and should help agricultural communities such as South Dakota see what we risk by following in their footsteps. To learn more about this trend, read Dennis Anderson's expose, "Unregulated farm tiling puts state's water at risk," in Minnesota's Star Tribune.
Catch up on your river news! Read the latest issue of FBSR's The Advocate. This issue includes:
Jodi Schwan, of Sioux Falls.Business, featured Friends of the Big Sioux River this week in her article “Great Outdoor Store, Patagonia support Big Sioux River mapping.” In the article, board member Steven Dahlmeier explains the purpose of our Big Sioux River mapping project. Click the link to learn more!
In today’s society, we seem to prefer cut and dried perspectives. We gravitate toward abruptly divided judgments. We describe beliefs as good or bad, right or wrong. However, as we try to compartmentalize complex issues and opinions into either-or categories we risk becoming entrenched in positions that avoid or neglect meaningful discussion and information. The consequence of this approach can be disrespecting to the sincere viewpoints of those whose positions may differ from our own. As we face important but difficult issues, we need to be open-minded so we can ask questions, seek information and find rational clarity.
Friends of the Big Sioux River, whose mission is to reduce urban and rural pollution of the Big Sioux River, is announcing the development and release of our new logo. With the growth of our member base and our continued community engagement, we felt it was time for an updated, refreshed brand.
Scientists are developing a way for small-scale bioreactors to clean up excess nutrients in runoff. For more information, check out “Quick clean: Small-scale bioreactors speed runoff water-cleaning process.”
The EPA has recently announced its intention to scale back the Clean Water Rule (CWR). The CWR was proposed to clarify ambiguities in the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWR recognizes the complexity and interconnectivity of our nation’s waterways–no matter how big or small. The protection extended by these rules is meant to safeguard drinking water, fish and waterfowl habitat, and the recreation economy. Though the CWR has been stuck in federal appeals courts, its full repeal could have damaging long-term effects on water quality. FBSR hopes these developments won’t make it more difficult to obtain a clean Big Sioux River.
To learn more, check out American Rivers’ “What You Need to Know About the Clean Water Rule.”
Friends of the Big Sioux River recently tested water samples from 3 test sites (Skunk Creek, I-90, and Falls Park) on 3 different days. Check out what we found! Click here to view our results.
Governor Daugaard recently announced that South Dakota residents with land along lakes and rivers can apply for a tax break if they commit the land to riparian buffer strips. The bipartisan bill aims to encourage the planting of grass, alfalfa, or other perennials that will help filter runoff. This incentive program is a huge win for South Dakota water quality and a great opportunity for land owners!
