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Wednesday,
October 29, 2003
Press Release
South Dakota Game,
Fish and Parks News
During the winter, some
overnight visitors to Chief White Crane Recreation Area near Yankton do not stay
in motor homes or tents--they stay in trees. Learn all about the park's winter
residents on the "Exploring Eagles" Walk in the Park on Nov. 15.
The program will begin at
9:30 a.m. in the welcome center at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, located four
miles west of Yankton off S.D. Hwy 52. A 30-minute presentation by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service will highlight eagle habitat and characteristics. From
there, the group will travel to nearby Chief White Crane Recreation Area for the
one-mile guided walk.
Several spotting scopes will
be available for use. Participants are also encouraged to bring binoculars as
well as comfortable hiking shoes and cold-weather clothing.
Chief White Crane Recreation
Area is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to eagles roosting in the park.
Walkers and cross-country skiers are allowed in these areas, though they must
use caution to not disturb the roosting bald eagles. If disturbed, the eagles
may abandon their roosts.
There is no cost for
participation in the guided walk, but a park entrance license is required. For
more information, call the park office at (605) 668-2985. Chief White Crane
Recreation Area is located five miles southwest of Yankton off S.D. Hwy 52.
The Walk in the Park program
is 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, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Department of
Health. For more information on bald eagles in state parks or the Walk-in-
the-Park program, visit
http://www.state.sd.us/gfp/sdparks or call (605) 773-3391. | 
