| George S. Mickelson Trail News
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- New Publication Guides Bird Watchers Along the Mickelson
Trail
(8/22/05)
-
Mickelson Trail Named in the "Best of the Midwest" (6/2004)
New Publication Guides Bird Watchers Along the Mickelson
Trail
(8/22/05)
A new publication is available to help Mickelson Trail users see
the trail from a birder’s-eye view. The free publication,
entitled A Birder’s Guide to the Mickelson Trail, guides
bird watchers along the 109-mile trail.
"The Birder’s Guide is great for both beginning and
experienced bird watchers," said Linda Sandness, coordinator of
visitor services for the SD Division of Parks and Recreation.
"The booklet is divided into sections, trailhead to trailhead.
Birders can learn about the habitat in each area as well as when
and where to look for specific birds."
The 32-page booklet includes additional resources such as a
trail map, bird checklist and birding tips.
The Birder’s Guide to the Mickelson Trail is available
by stopping by the Black Hills Trail Office in Lead, by calling
them at (605) 584-3896, or by calling the division office in
Pierre at (605) 773-3391. A printable version is also
available at
www.MickelsonTrail.com or on the
GFP Publications
webpage.
The project was a cooperative effort by the South Dakota
Division of Parks and Recreation, the George S. Mickelson Trail
Coalition, and the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
In addition to the Mickelson Trail bird watching guide,
birders may consult the Bird Watching Guide for SD State
Parks, which outlines where and when to view unique bird
species in 17 state parks throughout South Dakota. Also
available is the Birding Checklist, which lists the bird
species found in South Dakota, including rare/accidental
species, and the time of the year each can commonly be seen.
These two publications were sponsored in part by a grant from
the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program. The Bird
Watching Guide was also produced in partnership with the SD
Department of Health in an effort to promote healthy living
through physical activity. Both are available at your local
state park office or by calling (605) 773-3391.
For more information on the SD state parks, visit
www.sdgfp.info/Parks
or call (605) 773-3391.
- GFP-
Mickelson Trail Named in the "Best of the Midwest"
(Summer 2004)
In only its fifth year since completion, the George S. Mickelson
Trail has already earned acclaim as of one of the region's best biking
trails.
Midwest Living recently named the Mickelson Trail runner-up for
Best Bike-Riding Trail, in the magazine's "Best of the Midwest" issue. The
magazine asked readers to submit their favorite picks to compile the list.
"Even though the trail is still in its infancy, we are appreciative that
the users think highly enough of the trail to nominate the trail for this
award," says Shannon Percy, Black Hills Trails Office. "Trail use is
steadily increasing, but through recognition such as this, it will grow by
leaps and bounds."
The 114-mile George S. Mickelson Trail was completed in 1998 as part of
the rails-to-trails project. It winds through the heart of the Black Hills
from Edgemont to Lead/Deadwood, much of the trail passing through National
Forest Land. Riders encounter more than 100 converted railroad bridges and
four hardrock tunnels along the scenic route. Gentle slopes and easy access
allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black
Hills along the trail.
For more information on the Mickelson Trail, contact the Black Hills
Trail office at (605) 584-3896 or visit
www.MickelsonTrail.com.
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