· Lake Oahe Boat Access Improved
PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Game, Fish and Parks is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy South Dakota outdoors with the Parks' Open House Weekend and Free Fishing Weekend Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20.
During the annual three-day event,
entrance fees are waived for visitors to South Dakota's state parks and
recreation areas. Camping fees still apply. In addition, parks with staffed
entrance booths will be handing out free
flying disc, while supplies last. The flying discs are provided by the
Department of Health to help encourage
physically active play.
“This is the
perfect opportunity to visit for your favorite state park,” said Doug Hofer,
director of the division of parks and recreation. “It is a way of thanking
everyone for their support of South Dakota’s state parks and inviting them out
for another fun-filled year.”
Parks will be hosting a variety of special events across the state. These events are in addition to regular programming and activities held in the parks throughout the season. Several Open House Weekend special events will be held on Saturday and include the following:
· 27th Annual Trail Tour 5K Run/Walk, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, 9 a.m.
· Kids’ Fishing Day, Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre, 8 a.m.
· Family Nature Craft Workshop, Palisades State Park near Garretson, 10 a.m.
· Kids’ Fishing Derby, Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge, 3 p.m.
· Disc Golf Tournament of Amateurs, Hartford Beach State Park near Milbank, 2 p.m.
In addition to the events held on Saturday, Custer State Park near Custer will be
hosting a number of family activities both Saturday and Sunday, including
cookouts, nature hikes, free hayrack rides, a fishing derby, nature programs and
demonstrations. On Sunday at 3 p.m., visitors can take part in the park’s
infamous Buffalo Chip Flip contest. A full schedule of events can be found on
the state park’s website.
The waiver of
the fishing license requirement and park entrance fees applies to both residents
of South Dakota and visitors from other states.
The weekend also marks the first weekend that campsites can be reserved in South Dakota state parks this year, and officials say many campsites are currently available. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267) or online at www.CampSD.com.
South Dakota state parks offer a wide variety of outdoor fun, including camping, picnicking and boating. Many parks also offer trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
For information on fishing, fishing license and fishing regulations visit the GFP website at www.sdgfp.info. For more information on the South Dakota state park system, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.
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PIERRE, S.D. - Doug Hofer, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation, announced today the availability of Federal matching funds for outdoor recreation projects in South Dakota.
“South Dakota has received over $240,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund this year,” said Hofer. “This money is available for a wide variety of eligible outdoor recreation projects.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund program provides up to 50 percent matching funds to state, local and tribal governments for the development or renovation of outdoor recreation facilities or the acquisition of parkland.
“Grant awards will be for outdoor recreation projects needing a minimum of $5,000 in federal funds and each project will be limited to a maximum of $50,000 in federal funds,” said Hofer. “Examples of eligible projects include new playground equipment, ball diamonds, swimming pool renovation projects or picnic shelters.”
The deadline for applications is June 30, 2007. An electronic version of the application booklet is available online under Parks Publications at www.SDParks.info. For additional information or for a print version of the application booklet, contact the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation at (605)773-3391 or email ParkInfo@state.sd.us.
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Lake Oahe Boat Access Improved
PIERRE, S.D. – The Lake Oahe water level is currently eight feet higher than it was Labor Day weekend 2006. It is expected to continue to rise at least through the end of May and could be a foot or two higher on Memorial Day this year as compared to the same day last year.
“Good spring precipitation in the Missouri River Basin has contributed to the improved lake level,” said Doug Hofer, director for the Division of Parks and Recreation. “This is good news for anyone, including fisherman and boaters, who wants to access South Dakota’s largest body of water.”
Lake Oahe reached an all time low on August 30, 2006 when it bottomed out at 1,569.7 feet above sea level. During this low water level period, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks extended 11 boat ramps into deeper water. The lake’s other 21 ramps could not be extended further due to topography limitations.
With this spring’s higher lake level, 17 ramps are currently usable. Because of last fall’s extension work, the majority of these ramps should remain usable through the summer.
Boat ramps currently open are:
“Most of these ramps are low water installations with two launch lanes and parking,” said Hofer. “Courtesy and patience at the docks will make it a more enjoyable experience for all.”
Boaters can check the status of a specific boat ramp by going to the Division of Parks and Recreation Web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/parks/ and clicking on the Lake Oahe Boat Ramp Report link located on the left side of the screen.
PIERRE, S.D. – Take a walk through the history of the Lake Poinsett area during the open house for the newly constructed Lake Poinsett Area History Museum May 19 and 20 at the Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington, S.D.
The Lake Poinsett area has been a host to numerous travelers through history from mammoths to early explorers to fur traders to present day campers. The museum embraces this history with a theme of “We Are All Travelers.” With a number of hands-on exhibits, people of all ages will have fun as they learn about the area.
“This museum does an excellent job of outlining the history of the area,” said Linda Sandness, coordinator of visitor services for the Division of Parks and Recreation. “It takes visitors chronologically through the history of the area while providing the opportunity to experience the history with hands-on exhibits.”
The open house is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 19 and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20. This is during Open House Weekend in the state parks, so no entrance license is required. Harlan Olson will be available both days to answer questions about his collection and the history of the Lake Poinsett area. Refreshments will be provided by the Lake Poinsett Development Association.
The Lake Poinsett Area History Museum is a collaborative effort of the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation, the Lake Poinsett Area Development Association and Olson who loaned his personal collection for display at the museum.
For additional information on South Dakota state parks, contact the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation at (605)773-3391 or visit www.SDParks.info.
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