SD GFP NEWS FOR 7-31-09

• Tony Dean Festival Set for August 8
• Former GFP Employee Inducted into Fisheries Hall of Excellence

Tony Dean Festival Set for August 8

PIERRE, S.D. – A celebration of the life of the late-Tony Dean will be held in the most appropriate location – outdoors.

The inaugural Tony Dean Festival is set for Aug. 8, 2009, on the Spring Creek peninsula of Lake Oahe, between The Trails Golf Course and Spring Creek Resort. The festival honors Dean, a Pierre resident and nationally known outdoor and conservation commentator who died last fall, in an outdoor area that he most enjoyed.

The day’s activities will include golf, fishing, seminars, a silent auction, live music, vendors and the ribbon cutting for the new Spring Creek deep-water marina.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Tony Dean Memorial Acres initiative, which will purchase land that will be used to promote outdoor activities in Dean’s name.

Those who cannot attend the festival but wish to contribute to Tony’s Acres may send contributions to the: South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, 523 E. Capital, Pierre, S.D. 57501. Credit cards may be used at the SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation Web site.

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Former GFP Fisheries Chief to be Inducted into AFS Hall of Excellence

PIERRE, S.D. - A retired South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department official has received a prestigious national honor for his dedicated, long-time service.

Dennis Unkenholz (UHNK’-en-holtz) of Pierre will be inducted into the Hall of Excellence of the American Fisheries Society’s Fisheries Management Section. Unkenholz is the former fisheries chief for GFP. He retired in 2008 after 31 years of service to the state.

“Dennis’ legacy to South Dakota fisheries is varied and impressive,” said John Lott, current fisheries chief. “From his early work studying paddlefish, to his integration of angler harvest surveys into the fisheries-management process in South Dakota, to his leadership in updating the state’s fish hatcheries, Dennis has shown his passion for fish and fishing.  He deserves recognition for his many years of exceptional work.”

Since the 1991 inception of the Hall of Excellence, only 34 members have been inducted nationwide. The late-Bob Hanten, who preceded Unkenholz as South Dakota fisheries chief, was inducted earlier.

The American Fisheries Society is a nationwide organization of state and federal employees who work in the fields of fisheries management and biology.

Unkenholz, a Breckenridge Minn., native, was nominated by GFP employees Lott, Jim Riis, and Cliff Stone and by retired United States Geological Survey employee Larry Kalllemeyn.

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