GFP News - August 16, 2012

  • South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan Revision Under Way
  • River Otter Plan Available For Review
  • State Parks Offer Weekend Programs

 South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan Revision Under Way

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is continuing its planning effort to address the needs of all fish and wildlife species that spend all or part of their lives in the state.

The effort, called the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan, was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2006. The document provides a voluntary planning framework to encourage partnerships because no single agency or group can solely fulfill the needs of wildlife and natural areas.

GFP is now revising the Wildlife Action Plan. The agency's website will serve as the primary tool for sharing information and soliciting feedback. The revision will continue the original plan’s focus on providing diverse habitats as the basis for accommodating fish and wildlife. The revision emphasizes integrated and user-friendly final products with the potential to be of interest to many users.

As part of the revision process and with assistance from species experts, GFP developed a draft list of species that is available for online viewing and comment at: http://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/management/plans/species-list.aspx.

The link connects to the draft species list, lists criteria and provides a comment form. The comment opportunity is not an opinion survey, but a request for factual input on the draft species list for the revised South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan.

GFP will accept comments on the draft list of species until Sept. 17, 2012.

To request a paper copy of the material, please contact Sandy Hoerner by email sandy.hoerner@state.sd.us or U.S. postal mail: Sandy Hoerner, SD Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD, 57501.

The plan revision website may be visited regularly for updates on the planning process and for additional opportunities to provide input.

-GFP-

River Otter Plan Available For Review

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is offering citizens the opportunity to review a five-year draft management plan for river otters.

The South Dakota River Otter Management Plan is a draft plan on how the state proposes to manage this unique species associated with South Dakota’s riparian habitats.

The draft is now open for review during a 30-day public comment period.

"As a state threatened species, this plan identifies specific objectives and strategies with the intent of recovering the state’s population of river otters," said senior wildlife biologist Eileen Dowd-Stukel. "Further research, inventory, and surveys will help identify the direction of future management activities."

The draft management plan can be found on the GFP website at: http://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/management/diversity/river-otter.aspx

There is also the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan through that link.

A printed copy of the report can be obtained by writing: River Otter Plan; Game, Fish and Parks; 523 East Capitol Avenue; Pierre, SD 57501. Written comments on the draft plan may be mailed to the same address.

-GFP-

State Parks Offer Weekend Programs

PIERRE, S.D. - Schools are starting back up, but the weather is still warm. Take advantage of the last days of summer by attending a state park program.

  • America's Comeback King: The Bald Eagle, Chief White Crane Recreation Area near Yankton, Aug. 24, 7 p.m. CDT. Learn all about our nation's iconic bird, its habitat, feeding habits and phenomenal comeback. Info: 605-668-2985
  • Kayaking for Fun, Randall Creek Recreation Area near Pickstown, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. CDT. Learn how to safely and effectively paddle a kayak. Kayaks will be provided, but bring your own personal floatation device, if possible. Info: 605-487-7046
  • CSI: Newton Hills, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, Aug. 25, 4 p.m. CDT. Meet at the amphitheater where the kids can take part in Animal CSI! The park ranger will join us for this program where we will talk about animal tracks, how to identify animals, and make bookmarks. This will qualify as a Junior Naturalist Program. Info: 605-987-2263

There is no cost to participate in the programs; however, a park entrance license is required to enter the parks.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather and bring bug spray.
For more information on South Dakota state parks and a calendar of events, visit www.gfp.sd.gov or call 605-773-3391.

-GFP-