HCR6003 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of conservation and restoration practices in addressing water shortages and forest fire mitigation in the Black Hills, and commending the organizations engaged in this work. (Enrolled)

26.159.16 101st Legislative Session HCR6003

2026 South Dakota Legislature

ENROLLED

An Act

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of conservation and restoration practices in addressing water shortages and forest fire mitigation in the Black Hills, and commending the organizations engaged in this work.

WHEREAS, access to clean and reliable water resources is fundamental to the health, livelihood, and prosperity of all South Dakotans; and

WHEREAS, the Black Hills region faces growing water shortages that threaten communities, ecosystems, and future generations; and

WHEREAS, conservation and restoration practices, such as native vegetation restoration, stream and riparian rehabilitation, beaver dam analogues, and other low-tech, process-based methods, have been shown to spread, slow, and store water on the landscape, improving both water quality and water availability; and

WHEREAS, these practices serve an important role in fire mitigation by breaking up fuel continuity, increasing soil moisture, supporting green riparian corridors that act as natural firebreaks, and helping landscapes recover more quickly after wildfires; and

WHEREAS, these practices not only enhance water resilience and reduce fire risks, but also improve soil health, support wildlife habitat, reduce flooding, and strengthen local ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, local conservation districts, watershed groups, landowners, tribal nations, nonprofits, and state and federal partners, are working collaboratively in the Black Hills to restore streams, wetlands, and riparian areas; and

WHEREAS, conservation and restoration are cost-effective, science-based tools to address water shortages, mitigate wildfire risks, and create lasting ecological and community benefits;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the Senate concurring therein, that conservation and restoration practices are recognized as critical strategies to address water shortages and mitigate wildfire risk in the Black Hills; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature commends the dedicated organizations in the Black Hills Watershed Collaborative, landowners, and community members engaged in this important work, and affirms its support for continued conservation and restoration efforts that ensure resilient water resources, healthy forests, and safer communities for generations to come.