The sun sets on a wetland northwest of Hartford, South Dakota. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/SD Searchlight)
South Dakota's wetlands aren't just pretty places on a map; they're our lifeline, filtering drinking water, keeping rivers clean, and soaking up floods before they reach our basements.
But here's the deal: The EPA just finalized a rule proposal that slashes federal protections for these vital lands, especially those without a "continuous surface connection" to rivers and streams. This rollback isn't theoretical. It's real, and it's happening right now. If we let these rules fade away, we're risking more than a patch of grass. We're putting our water, wildlife and future growth on the line.
Comment period open
On Nov. 20, the proposed rule "Updated Definition of 'Waters of the United States'" published in the Federal Register, triggering a 45-day comment period will that will close on Jan. 5.
Comment portal >
Think about the last heavy rain that flooded our fields or sent muddy water racing through our streets. Without wetlands acting as nature's sponge, those floods hit harder. This new EPA rule invites more tile drainage and agricultural expansion, meaning less water gets filtered and more pollution goes straight into our streams and lakes, risking algal blooms and drinking water problems.
But the story isn't just about water. South Dakota's wetlands are bustling habitats for waterfowl, deer, and the wild things that make our prairie special. Hunters, anglers and birdwatchers feed local businesses and bring millions into our state. Strip away those habitats, and rural economies take a hit. The EPA's recent move exposes nearly 2 million acres of South Dakota's wetlands to new risks, and with no strong state-level protection, we could lose even more.
Some say wetland regulations hold us back, but in the long term, that's just not true. Wetlands save us money on water treatment, protect property values, and attract outdoor recreation and tourism. Communities with strong wetland protections bounce back faster from disasters and keep dollars flowing long after a storm rolls through.
Letting wetland protections vanish under the new EPA rule is a short-sighted bet South Dakota can't afford. If we want strong towns, thriving farms, and a future for our kids to hunt, fish and enjoy clean water, we need to defend what's left of our natural infrastructure. This isn't about red tape, it's about resilience. Our wetlands make South Dakota stronger. When they lose, we lose.