South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The meeting agenda includes the adoption of the final agenda, disclosure of conflicts, setting of future meeting dates for May and July 2026, and a public comment period. Key discussion items involve an update on Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) Activities, a status review of Water Rights Litigation, and administering oaths to DANR staff. Specific administrative items include a Seven Year Review of Future Use Permits, consideration of cancellations, review of Irrigation Questionnaire Violations for failure to report 2025 water use, and a review of unopposed water permits issued, including a comment filed concerning Water Permit No. 2899-2 for the City of Custer. The agenda also covers the appointment of a Rapid Valley Water Master and consideration for amending Qualification No. 1 on Future Use Permit No. 6988B-3.

This document outlines the priority outcomes for the South Dakota Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for fiscal year 2026. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SD DANR) has identified three primary areas of focus for program funding: increasing access, production, and distribution of specialty crops; enhancing consumption and consumer purchasing; and improving the environmental sustainability of specialty crops. While proposals addressing any USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) outcome are welcome, projects aligning with these three priority areas will receive preferential consideration, reflecting consistent stakeholder input.

The meeting addressed future use permit applications, including a request from the City of Aberdeen to reserve water from the Missouri River for various purposes. The board considered the validation of a recognized vested water right claim for Lake Campbell Dam and the removal of a qualification on a water permit for Hansen Ventures LLC. Additionally, they discussed the addition of mandatory water use reporting qualifications to water rights held by the City of Freeman and Brett Jens. The board also reviewed and approved the cancellation of several water rights and permits due to abandonment or non-compliance.

The meeting included the annual election of officers and the adoption of the final agenda. The board discussed an update on DANR activities, a status and review of water rights litigation, and a seven-year review of future use permits. They considered the cancellation of certain water rights and water permits, as well as violations of annual water use reporting. The board also reviewed a comment received regarding an unopposed water permit issued by the Chief Engineer for Plainview Dairy LLC, and new water permit applications. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering Water Permit Application No. 8903-3 for the City of Dell Rapids, including testimonies and discussions regarding future water use and potential impacts on existing water resources.

The Water Management Board meeting covered a range of topics including future use water permits, cancellation considerations, and new water permit applications. The board reviewed and approved the continuation of several future use permits for an additional seven years. They also approved the cancellation of multiple water rights and water permits due to abandonment, forfeiture, or non-construction. Additionally, the board discussed and approved a future use water permit for the Western Dakota Regional Water System. The meeting also included a discussion and subsequent deferral of a water permit application due to concerns about potential impacts on a fully appropriated aquifer. The board also voted to rescind a one-year suspension of a water permit after a change in ownership was reported.