SD GFP NEWS FOR 1-20-09
Time to Renew Bait Licenses
Registration Available for Twelfth Annual Mickelson Trail Trek
Funding Available For Trails
PIERRE, S.D. - With the changing of the year comes the expiration of many types of licenses for sportsmen and businesses, including licenses for businesses to sell minnows and leeches.
“State law requires all businesses that sell minnows or leeches at retail to annually purchase a retail bait dealer’s license from the Game, Fish and Parks Department”, said John Lott, chief of aquatic resources for the Wildlife Division of GFP. “In addition, this license must be displayed in the place of business where bait is sold.”
A retail bait license is not needed if a business is selling only worms or wax worms.
Lott said that some retail stores selling bait are unaware a license is needed to do so, while other businesses simply forget to renew their licenses because they are only open seasonally, during the open water fishing season.
“The main reason bait licenses are needed is to help track the harvest and sale of bait within South Dakota.” Lott said. “The majority of the bait fish sold in South Dakota is trapped from public waters and is a public resource, so it is important that the harvest and sale of bait fish is monitored.” The spread of diseases that could affect recreational fisheries is also a concern.”
In addition to the need for a license, businesses should note that each separate retail location where bait is sold requires its own license. People wishing to obtain a retail bait dealer’s license can contact the Game, Fish and Parks Licensing office by writing 412 W. Missouri Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 or by calling (605) 773-3393.
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Registration Available for Twelfth Annual Mickelson Trail Trek
PIERRE, S.D. – Online registration for the 12th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek is currently available at the trail’s website, www.MickelsonTrail.com. Game, Fish and Parks officials are encouraging bicyclists to sign up early to ensure a spot in the Trek, which will be held Sept. 18 - 20, 2009.
“The new online registration system will be very user friendly,” said Dana Garry, George S. Mickelson Trail manager. ”It will take the registrant through the registration process one step at a time. The neat part about the system for us is that it will allow us to send out email updates to all participants as the ride gets closer.”
The annual supported ride highlights the George S. Mickelson Trail as it winds through the heart of the Black Hills from Edgemont to Lead/Deadwood. The ride began in 1998 as a celebration of the completion of the rails-to-trails project. The Trek continues today to introduce new bicyclists to the trail and to thank supporters for their long-standing enthusiasm for the trail.
Riders on the Trail Trek will cover 109 miles of the trail over three days, from Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 20. Registration before July 8 with merchandise is $170, without merchandise is $140. Registration after July 8 is $170 and merchandise is not available. The registration fee for the 3-day ride includes the trail pass, shuttle service, refreshments and some meals during each day's ride. Riders are responsible for accommodations and mechanical support. The ride is open to all bicyclists 14 years of age or older.
Pre-registration is required and may be completed online by visiting www.MickelsonTrail.com and following the “Trail Trek” link. Registration cutoff is September 1, 2009. For more information on the Mickelson Trail or the 3-day Mickelson Trail Trek, visit www.MickelsonTrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trails office at (605) 584-3896.
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Funding Available For Trails
PIERRE, S.D. – State Park Director Doug Hofer announced today that applications are available for recreational trails projects throughout South Dakota. In 2009, there will be $1,096,000 available for trail projects in South Dakota. These funds are available for cities, counties, state parks and recreation areas, civic organizations and tribal governments through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). RTP funds are federal dollars which are apportioned to states by Congress to fund public recreation trail projects.
“Recreation trails are key elements to healthy communities,” Hofer said. “They provide a safe corridor in which families can exercise together and enjoy some of our state’s many unique natural features.”
The Recreational Trails Program provides up to 80% reimbursement for approved trail projects. Eligible projects include constructing new public trails, rehabilitating existing public trails, developing trail-related facilities and educational programs that specifically address recreational trail issues. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2009.
Hofer said Federal RTP grants were awarded to 11 local and 8 state sponsored projects in 2008. Most local grants were awarded for less than $50,000.
Application packets are available online at: http://www.sdgfp.info/Publications/Index.htm. For more information contact Grants Coordinator Randy Kittle at 605.773.5490 or by e-mail at randy.kittle@state.sd.us .
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