The landscape of northeast South Dakota was shaped thousands of years ago by repeated glaciations, which resulted in multiple deep lakes and rich, fertile soils ideal for agriculture. For over 30 years, various projects across this region of our state have been introduced in an effort to preserve the pristine glacial lakes and surrounding streams that provide an abundance of biodiversity. Most recently, the Prairie Coteau Watershed Improvement and Protection Project was initiated with the goal to “improve and protect the quality of northeast South Dakota lakes and streams.” As one of the most northern parts of the Big Sioux River watershed, the work this project does on the ground and in educating the local community plays a major role in the water quality of the Big Sioux River, all the way to its southernmost point, and onwards as it reaches the Missouri River.

As is common within the watershed, one of the main sources of pollutants and contaminants is agriculture.Stormwater runoff pulls soil, debris, and waste into the water, often resulting in high levels of total suspended solids, E. coli, nitrates, phosphates, and much more. This, in turn, can lead to unsafe water bodies for recreation, drinking water, or other beneficial uses. Cory Zirbel, who serves as the project’s manager, has been busy working with local producers to input best management practices. He states, “Some of the top practices have been riparian buffers, forage and biomass plantings, ag waste systems, and grass waterways.” These initiatives are on a voluntary basis, which comes with challenges. Zirbel describes how the agriculture market can significantly impact volunteer efforts because “a conservation practice may not be financially positive versus other practices.” Fortunately, cost-share programs have positively impacted the process, as they can cover roughly 60-70% of the cost to implement best management practices. These cost-share programs are funded with awarded grants from EPA Section 319 funds, Clean Water State Revolving Funds through SD DANR, and Conservation Commission Grants from the SD Conservation Commission.

Cost-share programs are not the only method the Prairie Coteau Watershed Improvement and Protection Project uses to garner support from local residents. Similar to Friends of the Big Sioux River, the project has a long history of water quality monitoring. The nearly 30 years of water testing has been an “integral part of the watershed project,” says Zirbel, because its data supports its mission. Local producers and landowners can see water quality changes in real time and may be more inclined to implement best management practices. Additionally, the project has a variety of local education efforts that offer students of all ages the opportunity to learn more about their local waterways and biodiversity. Zirbel emphasizes that “these events play an important role in educating the public on our water resources and why it is vital that we work together on improving and protecting the water quality of our lakes and streams.” One such event, a water quality workshop at Enemy Swim Lake, was originally started to instruct local lake property owners on how to identify macroinvertebrates in the surrounding lakes and streams. Macroinvertebrates, which are small aquatic organisms without a backbone that spend part or all of their life in the water, are key indicators of water quality. Since the workshop began, a variety of people have taken part, including educators and graduate and undergraduate students. It is open to everyone, free of charge, and spans over three days. Dennis Skadsen and Dave German began the workshop and are still the primary instructors, though they have since retired from their day jobs. The workshop is an immersive experience that allows anyone to go from novice to expert in identifying macroinvertebrates and other fundamental water quality indicators. It’s events like these that help any South Dakota resident take part in the conservation effort for our watershed and others across the state. The Prairie Coteau Watershed Improvement and Protection Project is and will continue to be a necessary part of the fight to improve water quality in the Big Sioux River watershed. In Sioux Falls, we can be appreciative of our upstream neighbors for doing their part, because their efforts especially matter to us downstream.