Recreation areas located immediately below the dams on the
Missouri River reservoirs will soon reopen to vehicle traffic and camping. Since
last fall, these parks have been closed to leave roosting bald eagles
undisturbed.
The following areas are reopening:
- Oahe Downstream Recreation Area campgrounds, near Pierre,
on April 1
- Randall Creek Recreation Area campgrounds, near Pickstown,
on May 1
- Chief White Crane Recreation Area, near Yankton, on April 1
Bald eagles typically spend their winters below the Missouri
River dams where they are able to catch fish and prey on waterfowl attracted to
the open water. Game, Fish and Parks officials closed these areas to camping and
vehicle traffic. If disturbed, the bald eagles may abandon their roosts.
These three parks are the only South Dakota state park
campgrounds that close during the winter.
For informational information on bald eagles in state parks,
please visit the South Dakota state park website at www.state.sd.us/gfp/sdparks/eagles.htm.
