· Activities Abound In State Parks This Winter
· Game, Fish and Parks Addressing Dog Leash Use at LaFramboise Island
Activities Abound In State Parks This Winter
PIERRE, S.D. – Winter is just around the corner and many visitors to South Dakota state parks are discovering that there is no reason to hibernate. Many opportunities for fun exist in the parks year-round, even after the snow falls.
During the winter season, many summer and fall hikers take up cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Twelve state parks and recreation areas offer cross-country ski trails. Trails are found at: Adams Homestead, Big Sioux, Hartford Beach, Lake Herman, Mickelson Trail, Newton Hills, Oakwood Lakes, Pelican Lake, Richmond Lake, Roy Lake, Sica Hollow and West Whitlock. Snowshoes are available for checkout at Big Sioux, Custer, Fort Sisseton and the Black Hills Trails Office for use on the Mickelson Trail.
Snowmobilers can take advantage of trail riding opportunities across the state. Snowmobile trails in eastern South Dakota will open December 1. Grooming operations along the 350-mile Black Hills system will begin Dec. 15. To request a detailed map, e-mail ParkInfo@state.sd.us or call (605) 773-3391.
A trip to the park can also include ice-skating, hunting, ice fishing or a leisurely walk in the brisk winter air.
In addition to day activities, plenty of opportunities exist for those wanting to stay overnight. Campsites are now on a first-come, first-served basis. Electricity is kept on year-round, but water systems and comfort stations are closed during the winter. As a result, camping fees are reduced. Fees are collected at self-registration stations located at park entrances, where fee envelopes and instructions are provided.
For those a bit less daring, camping cabins provide heated protection from the elements. Camping cabins are found at state parks and recreation areas across the state. Each of the one-room, log-style cabins has heating, air-conditioning and electricity. Furnishings include a set of bunk beds, double bed, table and benches. A fire grate and picnic table are located outside. Campers will need to provide linens or sleeping bags. The can be reserved through the reservation system within 90 days of arrival at www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267).
If you are gathering a group together, five recreation areas have lodges to suit your needs. Mina Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen and Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon each have a three-bedroom group lodge that sleeps eight. Newton Hills State Park near Canton has a four-bedroom lodge that accommodates up to 12 people. Lake Thompson Recreation Area near Lake Preston offers a larger five-bedroom lodge that accommodates up to 12 people. For those planning large group gatherings such as holiday parties or family reunions, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Fort Pierre is designed especially for large gatherings with a large dining area and buffet counter. Please note, the lodge at Oahe Downstream does not have bedrooms. Reservations can be made year-round through the reservation system at www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267).
Park entrance licenses are required year-round in all designated fees areas. The 2008 park entrance license is now available online and at park offices, and is valid until May 2009.
More information on winter activities and camping in South Dakota state parks can be found online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks by clicking on “Outdoor Recreation”.
-GFP-
Game, Fish and Parks Addressing Dog Leash Use at LaFramboise Island
PIERRE, S.D. ─ The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks reminds all users of LaFramboise Island Nature Area that dogs must be on a leash or be kept under immediate control.
“Recently, we have received many complaints of pets, particularly dogs, not being on a leash or under immediate control,” said Amanda Hellmann, park manager. “By not following the existing regulations, some pet owners are disturbing wildlife and upsetting many other user groups. If improper use continues at the nature area, the Division of Parks and Recreation could be forced to amend the current leash law and require leashes on pets at all times.”
The management team of LaFramboise Island Nature Area is taking numerous steps to inform the public of proper island use including passing out letters and brochures, posting signs explaining the rules and regulations that pertain to pets and providing information on the State Parks website, www.SDparks.info.
People using the nature area with their pets are reminded:
· From April 1 to Sept. 30 pets must be on a leash not more than 10 feet long when in the presence of other park users. If the pet is 200 feet or more from other park users, the pet does not have to be leashed but must be under immediate control. When a pet owner comes in contact with another user and is within 200 feet of them, the pet should be put on a leash. Once the users are 200 feet away, the pet could be unleashed.
· From Oct. 1 to March 31 a leash is not required, but the pet must be kept under immediate control at all times. When a user comes in contact with another user, the pet should be verbally or physically restrained until the user has passed.
· To properly dispose of any pet waste.
· A citation may be issued for not complying with these regulations.
The Division of Parks and Recreation asks for the public’s assistance in protecting the island and all users of the island by keeping pets under immediate control at all times and on a leash when mandatory. To provide information regarding misuse of LaFramboise Island Nature Area contact the regional park office at (605) 773-2885 during regular business hours or the park ranger by contacting state dispatch at (605) 773-3536 on evening or weekends.
With winter just around the corner, more and more people are flocking to LaFramboise Island Nature Area to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. The island is covered in trees and meadows and allows visitors to enjoy a variety of wildlife and bird species in their natural setting. It features over seven miles of trails for visitors to walk, bike, snowshoe and cross country ski. With a variety of activities comes a variety of different user groups such as bow hunters, nature lovers, dog walkers, bird watchers, runners, cyclists and the list continues to grow. For more information on LaFramboise Island Nature Area call (605) 773-2885 or visit www.SDparks.info.
-GFP-