Policy & Advocacy

Friends of the Big Sioux River is on a mission to change the way we all think about our relationship with our river. We want to bring awareness to the plight of this cultural, economic, and environmental backbone of Eastern South Dakota. We see an opportunity to unite and deploy people from all walks of life who share a stake in the improvement of this precious namesake of our city. Stakeholders include anyone who lives, works, or plays in an urban, rural, private, commercial, or government setting within the Big Sioux River watershed. This means you.

Reasons for a Healthy River

Environment

From the dramatic cut of the Black Hills to the gentle slope of the Coteau des Prairies, South Dakota is a beautiful place to live in. By protecting our natural vistas, we can ensure our state remains a breathtaking place to call home.

Recreation

Every living creature needs clean water to survive. By protecting local water, we ensure a safe environment for swimming, a dependable source of drinking water, and healthy habitats for wildlife.

Economics

A clean Big Sioux River opens the door to many development, tourism, and recreational opportunities that generate revenue for our area. New businesses will be attracted by this beautiful feature of Eastern South Dakota.

Aesthetics

A river offers many opportunities for adventure. If you're a parent, jogger, biker, kayak or canoe enthusiast, park goer, camper, hunter, or fisher person, you are just one of the many people who could benefit from a cleaner Big Sioux River.

2024 Legislation Tracker

We are dedicated to advocating for our watershed at home and in Pierre. In the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session, we will be working on a broad range of issues including water quality, habitat improvement, agricultural practices, and pollution.

  1. HB1030 - For - update statutory and regulatory references pertaining to water pollution.

  2. HB1031 - For - update the development and implementation of conservation district standards.

  3. HB1033 - For - address the administration of State Conservation Commission functions by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

  4. HB1119 - For - create a habitat conservation specialty plate and emblem.

  5. HB1124 - For - provide for the temporary filling of water development district board positions created as a result of population increases.

  6. HB1130 - For - revise water development district boundaries and taxing authority.

  7. HB1180 - Against - require legislative approval for the purchase of real property by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

  8. HB1235 - For - make an appropriation of State Fiscal Recovery Fund moneys for eligible water quality projects.

  9. SB7 - For - revise the water resources projects list.

  10. SB16 - For - make appropriations for water and environmental purposes and to declare an emergency.

  11. SB53 - For - make an appropriation for eligible water and wastewater projects and to declare an emergency.

  12. SB66 - For - make an appropriation for eligible water, wastewater, and storm water projects throughout state government, and to declare an emergency.

  13. SJR502 - For - Providing legislative approval for a future use water permit application by the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System.

  14. SCR605 - For - Affirming the value of grassland ecosystems and the importance of farmers and ranchers as managers.