The executive director and his team work with the State of South Dakota’s Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources by collecting water samples looking at pollutant levels of E.coli, nitrates, and total suspended solids. By following the state’s guidelines, the data is used for trend analysis, letting the public know what is in the water. The organization also works with the Sioux Falls school district and college students to educate them about the health of the ecosystem, bringing more awareness and resources to the classroom and beyond with field trips to local bodies of water. “We believe the only way we can help improve our river is by working to establish sound policies and initiatives that directly impact water quality,” added Entenman. “We work with local, state, and federal lawmakers and agencies to promote sound, on-the-ground practices, and to bring more awareness and resources to our area.” Entenman’s hope is to have a river everyone can be proud of, where families and friends can keep on recreating along the water safely. “It’s our backyard, and I hope folks start to appreciate it as such,” said Entenman.
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