SD GFP NEWS FOR 1-29-09

Release Contact:  Ken Dulik, 605-885-6403; Sharon Rose, 303-236-4580

Wolf Shot In Roberts County, South Dakota

The illegal killing of a wolf in northeastern South Dakota brings a reminder from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Game, Fish and Parks Department that wolves are protected by federal and state law.

On January 25, 2009, a Wolf was shot and killed by a coyote hunter in Roberts County.  The wolf was a female and weighed approximately 70 pounds.  The female wolf was traveling with a second and larger animal which is also likely a wolf.  In addition to that wolf, an individual reported seeing two more animals which are also likely wolves in the area later that same day. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department want to remind individuals that wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act and state law, and it is illegal to kill them.

Individuals planning on hunting coyotes in north-eastern South Dakota, particularly in Northern Roberts County, must use extreme caution before shooting any coyotes to ensure that the animal is definitely a coyote and not a wolf.

Anyone seeing the illegal taking of a wolf may contact Special Agent Ken Dulik, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 605/885-6403 or the GFP TIPs Hotline at 1-888 OVERBAG. Individuals in the Roberts County area may also contact Conservation Officer Dean Shultz at 605/698-3852.

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Release Contact:  Game, Fish and Parks, 605-773-3391

State Park Entrance Fees to Increase Feb. 2

PIERRE, S.D. – Entrance fees for state park and recreation areas are set to increase Feb. 2.

Annual park entrance licenses will increase from $23 to $28. Daily entrance will change from $3 to $4 per person and from $5 to $6 per vehicle. Entrance fees are set to increase at Custer State Park as well, moving from $5 per person to $6 per person and from $12 per vehicle to $15 per vehicle.

In addition to the entrance fee increases, the cost of firewood sold at state parks will go up one dollar to $4 per bundle; and non-resident visitors will now be charged a $7.70 per site fee when reserving campsites, up from $5.

According to Doug Hofer, director of parks and recreations, the revenue generated from the fee increases will all go towards operation of the State Park System.

Annual park entrance licenses can be purchased online, at your local park, or by calling 1-800-710-2267.

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Game, Fish and Parks Proposes New Rules for Water Safety

PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks department proposed water safety changes on lakes in four counties at its commission meeting last week.

Areas include South Shore Lakeside Use Area on Lake Francis Case in Gregory County, the Spring Creek Marina on Lake Oahe in Hughes County, Cedar Shores Marina on Lake Francis Case in Lyman County, and Long Lake in Lake County.

The following changes are recommended:

• South Shore Lakeside Use Area –The shoreline along this area is very popular with boaters and jet skiers, and receives heavy weekend use. An area extending 300 feet along the shoreline and 150 feet out from the water’s edge is proposed as a no wake zone. Boats and jet skies are required to operate at low speeds within the no wake zone.
• Spring Creek Marina on Lake Oahe, 25 miles north of Pierre - The waters within the newly constructed Spring Creek Marina would be classified as a no wake zone and a no swimming zone. In addition, the waters within the old Spring Creek Marina would be designated as a no swimming zone. A very busy public boat ramp is located within the old marina area making it unsafe for swimmers.
• Long Lake in Lake County - The no wake zone designation would be lifted during July and August to allow for skiing and boating activities in the area. It is not recommended that the no wake zone be lifted year-round due to the disruption of nesting waterfowl in the spring and the impact on hunting in the fall.
• Cedar Shores Marina on Lake Francis Case north of Oacoma - There is no existing public water safety zone designated to protect boats that are berthed inside the marina. The department would enact a no wake zone on the waters within the Cedar Shores Marina.

A public hearing and finalization on the department’s recommendations will be held March 5 in Fort Pierre.

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Experience the Mickelson Trail on Snowshoes

PIERRE, S.D. – With above-average snow amounts in the Black Hills, what better time to snowshoe on the George S. Mickelson Trail? The trail will host two snowshoe hikes in February.

Hikes will be held at 1 p.m. on February 7 and 28. The locations will be determined the week of the walk.  Please call the Black Hills Trails Office at (605) 584-3896 for more information and to find out where to meet.

Staff will teach basic snowshoeing skills while leading a nature walk along the trail. “We have a limited number of snowshoes available for participants to use,” said Dana Garry, Mickelson Trail manager. “We had a great turn-out for the snowshoe hikes in January and ran out of snowshoes. It is important to sign up early to make sure you get a pair.”

“We’d also like to remind people that snowshoes are available for check-out anytime, not just during guided hikes,” said Garry. Snowshoes can be reserved by calling the Black Hills Trails Office.

There is no cost to participate in the program, although a trail pass is required. Both day and annual trail passes will be available for purchase before the program. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather.

The Walk in the Park programs are a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. For more information on the Walk in the Park programs and for a full listing of events for 2009, visit the state parks website, or call (605) 773-3391.

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