· Pheasant, Sage Grouse Habitat Enhancement Program Enrollment Open
· July Fourth Camping Reservations in State Parks Open Soon
Pheasant, Sage Grouse Habitat Enhancement Program Enrollment Open
PIERRE, S.D.—The S.D. Game Fish and Parks Department, Pheasants Forever and USDA Farm Service Agency are pleased to announce that the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement program is ready for enrollment.
Under the enhancement program, also known as SAFE, state agencies along with other groups were given the opportunity to submit proposals to USDA’s Farm Service Agency for an additional continuous CRP practice (CP-38). GFP’s approved proposal designates 20,200 acres for pheasant nesting habitat with 500 acres to be used for sage grouse habitat in northwestern South Dakota.
Unlike most other continuous CRP practices, SAFE acres can be used to enroll larger acreages. “SAFE acres give producers a greater measure of control over where they want to place habitat for pheasants and other wildlife,” said GFP habitat biologist Rocco Murano.
CP-38 acres are eligible for an up-front signing incentive payment of $100 per acre, up to 50 percent cost-share for establishing vegetative cover, and a practice incentive payment equal to 40 percent of the cost of installing the practice. “CP-38 is an excellent way to increase pheasant nesting, roosting and brood rearing cover on your property,” according to GFP Senior Upland Game Biologist Chad Switzer. “In addition, SAFE acres may be utilized to re-enroll CRP acres that expired in 2007 and those expiring in the fall at a new rental rate.”
For additional information and application assistance regarding CP-38 please contact your local USDA service center or visit http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/PrivateLands/PFBiologists.pdf to find your local Pheasants Forever Farm Bill biologist.
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July Fourth Camping Reservations in State Parks Open Soon
PIERRE, S.D. – Campers making Fourth of July plans can begin making camping reservations on April 5 for a Friday, July 4, arrival. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 710-CAMP (2267) or by going online to www.CampSD.com. A three day stay is required at all parks except Custer for holiday weekends.
“This year the Fourth of July falls on a Friday, so many parks in the state will fill up fast,” said Doug Hofer, state parks director. “Campsites are reserved well in advance, so campers will need to plan ahead and make reservations as soon as possible to get their favorite camping spots.”
Reservations for campsites and camping cabins in South Dakota state parks can be made within 90 days of the arrival date. Reservations for the group lodges statewide and all campsites at Custer State Park are currently being accepted.
The telephone reservation center is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (CDT). Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day. Reservations open at 7 a.m. on the first day of the 90-day window, both online and at the call center.
There is a $5 per site non-refundable reservation fee (not applicable to South Dakota residents). Camping fees must be paid when the reservation is made and can be paid with credit card, money order or personal check. A daily or annual park entrance license is required of all vehicles entering the park. Entrance fees are in addition to camping fees.
The free state parks' Making Camping Reservations brochure provides more detailed information on making reservations, including an abbreviated 90-day window calendar. Additionally, individual campground maps are also available on the state park’s Web site for free download.
To receive a free copy of the reservation brochure, contact the Division of Parks and Recreation office at (605) 773-3391 or e-mail ParkInfo@state.sd.us. More information on reservations, including a full 90-day window calendar, can also be found online at www.SDparks.info.
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