Hand County is located a short distance east of the center part of South Dakota. Hand County was named after George H. Hand, who was active in politics when this area was part of the Dakota Territory. Miller is in the center of the county at the junction of State Highway 45 and US Highway 14. The county extends 48 miles from north to south and 30 miles from east to west. Hand County consists of 919,040 acres.

In the beginning the District consisted of four townships in the southwest part of the county. This was April 11, 1942 and was known as Elm Creek-Midland District. After three more additions were made the name was changed to the Hand County Soil & Water Conservation District. In 1943, 1944 & 1945 the remainder of the county was added to the district. The name has since been changed to the Hand County Conservation District.

Cottonwood Lake/Lake Louise

In 1999, an assessment was conducted on the Cottonwood Lake & Lake Louise watersheds to document sources of nonpoint pollution & produce feasible restoration alternatives for a watershed implementation project.

In 2002, grants were secured from EPA 319, Consolidated Water Facilities & the Conservation Commission. Local support has come from Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Districts, Game, Fish & Parks, US Fish & Wildlife, Central Plains Water Development District, Cottonwood Lake Association, & local individuals.

Cottonwood Lake/Lake Louise Watershed Improvement Project is a 5-year project that will begin the long-term effort required by the TMDL to reduce nutrient & sediment loadings to Cottonwood Lake & Lake Louise. Major practices planned include the development of agricultural waste systems, riparian & buffer zones, planned grazing systems & shoreline stabilization around the lakes.

In 2000, an assessment was conducted on the Jones Lake & Rose Hill Lake watersheds to document sources of nonpoint pollution & produce feasible restoration alternatives for a watershed implementation project.

In 2003, grants were secured form EPA 319, Consolidated Water Facilities & the Conservation Commission. Local support has come from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hand County Conservation District, Game, Fish & Parks, Central Plains Water Development District, & local individuals.

The Jones Lake/Rose Hill Lake Watershed Improvement Project is a 3-year project that will begin the long-term effort required by the TMDL to reduce nutrient & sediment loading, as well as to demonstrate the BMPs effectiveness in reducing pollution & their cost effectiveness. Major practices planned include the development of animal nutrient waste systems, riparian & buffer zone establishment, planned grazing systems & shoreline stabilization.

This site updated on:
October 9, 2007

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