RFD / The Battle Over Oahe Water

(Side 1) “Heritage is something left to future generations as a reminder of what is possible. In 1976 in the middle of a record drought a rural community challenged the federal government, took charge of their own destiny, and accomplished something that doesn’t happen very often. THEY WON. Ordinary citizens stopped the federally sponsored Oahe Irrigation Project and traded it for drinking water, something their communities needed, and changed federal water policy.

As a result, rural water pipeline systems provide quality drinking water to more than 70% of South Dakota. Over one hundred thousand acres of rich farm land were saved and the James River was protected. “RFD” tells the store of what people can do it they have the courage to take a stand and work together.

Commissioned by the Granary Rural Cultural Center to honor the families who settled the Dakota Plains, survived and stayed. Dedicated June 15, 2008 Sculpture Artists Sherri Treeby and Lee Leuning” (Side 2) “The Oahe Irrigation Project debate of the 1970’s and early 1980’s was a prime example of citizen involvement in political decision making.

With the anticipation over the Oahe project growing during the 1950’s and early 1960’s, politicians, businessmen, and newspapers jumped on the bandwagon. Proponents asserted that irrigation in the James River Valley would greatly enhance farm production and stabilize agriculture by negating the effects of drought.

However, when people learned the construction details they raised concerns about property rights, tax payer costs, the environment, and project feasibility. In 1972, Beadle County farmers began to look closely at the Oahe project and informed their neighbors. From these meetings a grass-roots opponent, United Family Farmers, emerged.

The UFF coalition included members of both political parties; farmers; ranches; and environmentalists. The pro-Oahe forces led by Friends of Oahe, including farmers, the governor, the state’s congressional delegation, the Greater South Dakota Association, SDSU, and nearly every newspaper. UFF eventually triumphed by bringing the power of research and facts to bear while generating a spirit of community activism.