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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

Rivers & Rangelands Episode 2 invites listeners into a lively conversation with Jay Gilbertson, manager of the East Dakota Water Development District. Hosts Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh unpack South Dakota’s complex water landscape, diving into the science behind aquifers, the evolution of local water protection ordinances, and what it takes to keep clean water flowing for communities and agriculture. Jay blends decades of expertise in geology and water management with stories of prairie policy, wellfield science, and the challenges facing both rural and urban development. Tune in for deep insights into how public agencies, landowners, and local governments cooperate to preserve water quality in the Big Sioux River Basin—and, with plenty of warmth and humor, learn why these prairies’ water stories matter for the future of South Dakota.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!