A Huron, S.D., resident speculated the rocks that the city placed in the James River next to the dam, paired with a lack of oxygen, were largely responsible for the pileup.
Since their introduction in the state less than a decade ago, zebra mussels have found their way into 13 bodies of water across South Dakota, most notably leaping westward into Pactola Reservoir last month. Some interest groups think the Department of Game, Fish and Parks could be doing more to slow the spread.
Two Charles Mix County poultry operations reported outbreaks of avian flu, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department said on Friday. Canadian and Snow Geese also have been infected.
A plan to spend $2.5 million on a public shooting range in a rural area east of Rapid City has drawn complaints from area landowners but strong support from the region's recreational shooters.
The House agriculture committee approved sending the funding request to the joint appropriations committee. Ranchers say airborne hunting -- a pilot and a gunner -- are needed to thin a coyote population threatening livestock.
State law already allows for using moonlight to aide in night hunting on public lands. The new bill, brought by Sen. Mike Rohl, R-Aberdeen, allows for night vision for persons hunting after sunset, but not artificial light.
The South Dakota House agriculture committee sent a revised $5 million bill to grow the campground at the Black Hills park to the 41st day on a 9-3 vote
