The Upper Big Sioux River Watershed project has been on-going in Codington County for the last 9 years. The district works closely with the project coordinator on encouraging landowners/operators to implement conservation practices and take part in programs and the cost share available through this project. The main focus of work continues to concentrate on agricultural practices helping to control erosion and excessive nutrient runoff, improving water quality in the Big Sioux River as well as Lake Kampeska.

Since the projects inception, Codington Conservation District has provided full support financially and verbally with a district supervisor serving on the watershed advisory board., The district has applied for grants from the SD Conservation Commission, and allocated $15,000 of local district funds to the project.

To date, reduction of nutrient loads from the watershed is being accomplished through 2,998 acres of grazing management , 23 animal nutrient management systems and manure application management. Sediment loads are being reduced by installation of 63,610 linear feet of grassed waterways, 4,676 crop residue management acres, 300 acres filter strips, 183 acres of wetland enhancement, 251 small dams/basins and 2,615 feet of stream bank stabilization.