SD GFP NEWS FOR 7-9-09

• Recreational trails receive funding
• Oakwood Lakes to host 31st Annual Canoe and Kayak Tour
  
• State Parks Feature Free Family Activities

Recreational trails receive funding                      

PIERRE - Area communities have been given the opportunity to expand their local trail systems through grant funding awarded from the Recreational Trail Program.        

Governor M. Michael Rounds has awarded Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to several communities and organizations across the state totaling $1,093,484. The federal assistance program provides up to 80 percent reimbursement for trail-related development and maintenance projects.

The following local sponsors were awarded grants for trail construction and upgrades: the cities of Aberdeen, Armour, Belle Fourche, Mobridge, Montrose, Pierre, Rapid City, Sturgis, Wessington Springs and the Whitney Preserve/Cool Creek Nature Trail.    

The following State Recreation Areas were awarded grants for trail improvement projects: George S. Mickelson Trail and Sica Hollow State Park.

The following motorized trail projects were awarded grants: Black Hills Snowmobile Trail system for purchase of trail grooming equipment and constructing a shop at Hardy Camp; Dakota Trailblazers for the purchase of snowmobile trail grooming equipment; SD Snowmobile Association for a snowmobile safety ad campaign.

"These project sponsors have shown a strong commitment to improving their communities and making South Dakota a better place to live, work and play," said Governor Rounds. "Their efforts will benefit future generations of South Dakotans."

The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered in South Dakota by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, and represent a portion of the motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use: fuel used for off-highway recreation by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-highway light trucks.

Examples of trail projects funded by RTP include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle use. For more information on this program, contact Randy Kittle, Grants Coordinator for the S.D. Division of Parks and Recreation, at 605.773.5490 or by e-mail at: randy.kittle@state.sd.us.

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Oakwood Lakes to host 31st Annual Canoe and Kayak Tour

BRUCE, S.D. - Grab a paddle and a partner and get ready for an afternoon of fun on the water. Oakwood Lakes State Park near Bruce is hosting its 31st Annual Canoe and Kayak Tour on Sunday, July 19.

The event features a canoe/kayak Poker Run starting at 1:30 p.m. In this event, teams collect playing cards at various points along the route to get the best hand. At 3:30 p.m., paddlers can test their communication skills in the Blindfold Canoe Races. In this short race, one of the paddlers will be blindfolded while the other gives directions.

"This event is great opportunity for individuals, couples and families to enjoy South Dakota State Parks and Glacial Lakes waters in July," said Lee Kratochvil park manager. "People of all ages will have fun touring the lake and experiencing the sports of canoeing and kayaking."

Participants should bring their own equipment. A limited number of canoes, kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be available to rent from the park.

Registration will take place prior to the races at 12:30 p.m. There is a $9 per person entry fee to take part in the day's events, which will be used for prizes. A park entrance license is also required. Prizes and refreshments will follow the races at 4 p.m.

Oakwood Lakes State Park is located 10 miles northwest of Volga off US Hwy 14. For more information on the Canoe and Kayak Tour, please call the park office at (605) 627-5441.

For a full schedule of special events in South Dakota state parks or to request a copy of one of the free canoe/kayak brochures, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

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State Parks Feature Free Family Activities

PIERRE, S.D. - Visitors to South Dakota state parks will have the chance to take part in a variety of special family activities on the third weekend in July. These free activities are a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.

Make plans to attend the following events:

• "Sensibilities" Walk in the Park at LaFramboise Island Nature Area in Pierre, July 16, 7 p.m. Sometimes people rely only on their eyes. This hike will try to engage all the senses to enjoy LaFramboise Island. Participants should wear appropriate hiking attire and bug spray and sunscreen as needed. Info: (605) 773-2885
• Lantern Tour of Fort Buildings, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, July 17, 9:30 p.m. Spend an evening at Fort Sisseton. Join a tour guide in period costume and explore the grounds and buildings as you listen to stories about life at the fort. Each adult will be provided a lantern. Children age 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Please meet at the North Barracks. Info: (605) 448-5474
• Lake Herman Beach Bash, Lake Herman State Park, July 18, all day. Come for a day of sun and sand, and participate in a number of beach activities. Info: (605) 256-5003
• "Fossils at our feet" Walk in the Park, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, July 18, 9:30 a.m. Participants should meet at the boat ramp in the Gavins Section of the park. Biology teacher and fossil expert, Tom Vollmer will show off some of his finds, and participants will have the opportunity to look at fossils along the shoreline. Come prepared to get a little wet! Info: (605) 668-2985
• Dutch Oven Cooking Demo, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, July 18, 10 a.m. Learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking. A presenter will prepare an entire meal in a Dutch oven, including a main dish, side and dessert.  Info: (605) 223-7722
• "Journey through time" Walk in the Park, Oakwood Lakes State Park, July 18, 10 a.m. Visitors will be led on a tour of the historic sites of Oakwood Lakes State Park. Info: (605) 627-5441
• Geocaching, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, July 18, 1:30 p.m. This introductory course on the game of geocaching (finding hidden treasures) will teach participants how to play and how to use a GPS. GPS units will be provided for those who do not have their own. Info: (605) 668-2985
• Geocaching and Basic GPSing, Lake Thompson Recreation Area, July 18, 7 p.m. Learn the basics of using a GPS unit and try some geocaching. Info: (605) 847-4893
• S'more Singing, Palisades State Park, July 18, 8 p.m. With a campfire, s'more fixings and park manager Marty Dewitt playing guitar, all ages are sure to enjoy this wonderful evening event. Info: (605) 594-3824
• Nostalgic Movie Night - American Historian, Angostura Recreation Area, July 18, 8:30 p.m. With the advent of DVDs and other forms of enhanced technology, reel to reel movies are rarely used by park sites. Yet, the 16 mm productions from the 1960s and 70s offer some of the best educational content of any campground evening presentation. Bring the family (and some popcorn) and enjoy a step back in time...watching an "old" fashioned movie on the big screen. Info: (605) 745-6996

There is no cost to participate in any of these programs; however, a park entrance license is required to enter the park. These programs are held in addition to regular programming hosted by individual parks on summer weekends.

The Walk in the Park program is part of a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Parks staff and volunteers lead the programs. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, to dress for the weather, and to remember to bring bug spray and plenty of drinking water.

For more information on S.D. state parks and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

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