SD GFP NEWS FOR 4-14-09
State Park Becoming an Outdoor Family Weekend Taking Registrations
PIERRE, S.D. – Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington will host the Becoming an Outdoor Family weekend June 19-21.
The event is designed for beginning camping families, families that would like to try new outdoor activities, and those that enjoy the company of like-minded families.
“Becoming an Outdoor Family is a great opportunity to try different activities, learn new skills, and spend a weekend outdoors with your family,” said Emilie Miller, program specialist for SD state parks. “It’s also a great opportunity to meet other families with similar interests.”
Classes offered at this year’s event include archery, outdoor cooking, fishing, crafts, geocaching, history, and birding. In addition to the classes, families will have plenty of free time to explore the park on their own.
On Saturday night, each family will try out their outdoor cooking skills by preparing a dish for a potluck dinner. After that, the gold medal is on the line as families partake in some friendly competition with lawn games such as bocce ball, croquet, pongo, and more.
Workshop fees are $50 per family if postmarked before May 20, or $60 per family if postmarked after May 20. The fee includes instruction in all sessions, program materials, equipment use during the workshop, and an electrical campsite for two nights. A campsite reservation will be made for you. A park entrance license is required to enter the park and is not included in the registration fee.
To register your family for Becoming an Outdoor Family, fill out a registration form and mail the form and payment to: South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Becoming an Outdoor Family, 523 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501. Registration forms are available online at http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Learning/OutdoorFamily.htm or by calling (605) 773-3391.
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First Buffalo Calf of the Season Spotted at Custer State Park
The first buffalo calf of the spring in Custer State Park was spotted on April 11, 2009. Ron Tietsort, Conservation Officer for Custer State Park, saw the buffalo calf in the south end of the park near the west end of the Wildlife Loop Road.
“Spring is a perfect time to view wildlife in the park and with the recent moisture, everything is greening up,” said Chad Kremer, buffalo herd manager. “Deer, antelope, turkey and buffalo can be seen throughout the park right now. Some herds of elk have recently been spotted along Iron Mountain Road in the mornings and late afternoons.”
Visitors are advised to leave buffalo calves alone. It can be dangerous to approach baby animals, particularly buffalo calves. If a mother buffalo feels she or her calf is threatened, she may charge.
“Occasionally, people will think a buffalo calf has been orphaned and try to rescue it,” said Kremer. “This is rarely true; buffalo may roam up to one mile from their calves and come back later for them.”
Most buffalo calves are born in May, but around 10 to 20 percent arrive in April at Custer State Park.
For additional information on Custer State Park, please contact the park at (605) 255-4515 or visit www.CusterStatePark.info.
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PIERRE, S.D. – Online registration for the 12th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek is currently available at the trail’s website, www.MickelsonTrail.com, and spots are filling fast. 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.
“There are a limited number of openings available,” said Dana Garry, George S. Mickelson Trail manager. “It is important to sign up early to secure your spot.”
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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