Helpers needed for water-quality improvement project

The West Dakota Water Development District is seeking volunteers to help on a couple “erosion-control” projects that are intended to help improve water-quality and ecological conditions in Rapid Creek by reducing sedimentation. Our main project area includes about 5 acres with severe erosion on the north side of Star Village and just west of East Boulevard. We got a good start on this effort last year, but it will take many years of continued effort to restore this area to a healthy condition.

Our biggest need is for volunteers to help with this effort. If you would be willing to help on occasion, please email Dan Driscoll at wdwdd3@gmail.com and you will be added to a contact list to be notified of upcoming work efforts. Please feel free to call Dan at 605-348-2557 (H) or 605-209-0305 (M) with any questions or to hear more about this project. Following are a few more details.

Much of the work is rigorous physical labor, but there often are light duty tasks also. We also have various other needs such as trying to find ways to grow ground cover in severe settings, so we can use all sorts of volunteers. We usually try to work half days, or less, and if folks can help for only an hour or two, it can really help.  Please also spread the word to anyone else you know who might be willing to help! 

Much of our project area was recently gifted to the City of Rapid City for development as a future park area, so there’s now another nice community-benefit aspect to this project. One last note is that there are many other large areas around town with similar severe erosion problems, so this pilot-level project will help pave the way for future improvements elsewhere.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!!