Gov. Rhoden Expands Drought Mitigation Strategies
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2026-10 to expand assistance to South Dakotans during this drought emergency. The order expands South Dakota Wildland Fire’s assistance and resources to help rural fire departments outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. In addition, the Governor extended the provisions of EO 2026-08 on flexibility for hay hauling.
“As a volunteer firefighter, I understand that every second counts when attacking a fire. And as a lifelong rancher, I recognize the difficulty feeding livestock during this ongoing drought,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Supplementing local resources with approved state assistance will improve response time, saving lives and property.”
Over 90% percent of South Dakota is suffering from abnormally dry or moderate to extreme drought conditions.
Governor Rhoden previously signed EO 2025-03, which allows for the deployment of firefighting airplanes and helicopters to assist with fires within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. This order extends those resources to any fire in the state if needed to protect lives and property.
This year, the Governor has verbally declared an emergency to exist for the “79 Fire” in April and the “Bear Butte Fire” in August because those fires were outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. This order approves similar future deployments to assist local fire departments immediately.
As drought conditions continue to negatively impact feed availability for livestock across South Dakota, this order also extended the expiration date so the provisions of EO 2026-08, which increase access to hay for farmers and ranchers, lasts through the end of the season. Hay hauling can continue for two hours before sunrise and two hours after sunset from now until November 15, 2026.
These haulers must be properly equipped with warning lights, and they cannot run overweight. Permits are available to allow oversize movement of hay up to 12 feet wide and to extend the time allowed for movement of vehicles from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., provided the load has reflectorized or lighted oversize load signs on the front and back of the vehicle(s). The permits are free and available by contacting the South Dakota Highway Patrol Permitting Office at 605-698-3925.
Earlier this spring, Governor Rhoden activated the state Drought Task Force to monitor drought conditions across South Dakota and be available to quickly respond to emergencies like this. The Drought Task Force endorsed these waivers at their meeting today when presented by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources.
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