The most urban area of South Dakota has grown tremendously and consequently is experiencing conversion of agricultural lands to urban areas.  Minnehaha County’s population increased 19.8 percent between 1990 and 2000 while the nationwide rate in that time period was 8.5 percent.  In 2002, of 66 counties in the state, Minnehaha County held 37 percent of the state’s authorized building permits.  The population in adjoining Lincoln County increased 21.3 percent in a three-year period: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2003. 

Due to developing resource management problems/concerns, the Minnehaha Water Coalition, comprised of individuals from county, city, community, public, state and federal groups, identified the need to educate people to make educated and informed decisions before purchasing a rural acreage. 

The publication introduces non-agricultural people to natural resources and how to keep the watershed healthy.  It's purpose is to create an awareness of environmental concerns associated with living on a rural development or a small acreage and guide the reader to sources of additional information and assistance. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service helped the Minnehaha Water Coalition Team:

Minnehaha Conservation District

Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning

Minnehaha County Weed Board

City of Sioux Falls Public Works

Minnehaha Community Water Corporation

Watershed Board Members

Water Purification Plant

Water Water Treatment Plant

Public Works/Environmental Division

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Minnehaha County Cooperative Extension Service

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation

Additional important public and private partners include:

• South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts
• South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems
• South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources
• South Dakota Association of RC&D Councils
• Agricultural Producers and Earth Team Volunteers

In partnership, NRCS, the Minnehaha Water Coalition and others developed the “Rural Living” educational effort with a goal of healthier resources.  The electronic publication was completed and made available on the Internet in 2003.  In 2004, hard copies of the publication were distributed with the concept of awareness of the natural resources in watersheds and how each person can improve or degrade the health of our natural resources.

Additional benefits:

• The educational publication’s material is appropriate for statewide use.
• Public access to the information via the Internet at http://www.sdconservation.org and http://www.sd.nrcs.usda.gov/publications.
• Partnership distribution of consistent messages.
• Education of new landowners on aspects of rural living
  • Look at the land: understanding soil types, fertility and the water table.
  • Developing a plan and where to get assistance.
  • Tips for planning a home site.
  • Living in Nature’s Neighborhood: considering wetlands, erosion control, fence laws wild animals, water resources and fishing, riparian areas, owning livestock and grazing.
  • Realistic expectations for Essential Services: county, township, emergency and fire protection, roads and weather, school districts, voting precincts, and mail delivery.
  • Planning and Zoning Issues, Environmental Issues, Rural Water and Rural Utilities.
• Improved watershed health and water quality.
• Increased knowledge of water conservation practices for overburdened water systems.
• Increased quality of wildlife habitat.