GFP News - July 20, 2012

  • State Parks Host Outdoor Activities
  • 2012 Tri-State Conservation Grazing Workshop Scheduled

State Parks Host Outdoor Activities

PIERRE, S.D. - Several state parks and recreation areas in South Dakota are hosting outdoor events and educational programs at the end of the month for visitors. The activities are a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Halloween in July, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington, July 27-29. Get in the spooky mood with a Halloween campsite decorating display, costume parade, and even trick-or-treating! Be sure to bring candy for your guests. Sign up at the welcome center to take part in the fun! Info: 605-983-5085
  • Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington, July 28, 10 a.m. CDT. Come to the amphitheater for a Dutch oven cooking demonstration. Info: 605-983-5085
  • Predator vs Prey, Roy Lake State Park near Lake City, July 28, 10 a.m. CDT. Learn common predator and prey techniques, play games and win prizes!  Info: 605-448-5701
  • Christmas in July, Chief White Crane Recreation Area near Yankton and Walker’s Point Recreation Area near Madison, July 28. Get in the holiday spirit by creating your own Christmas campsite display and participating in Christmas activities for all ages! Info: Chief White Crane, 605-668-2985; Walker’s Point, 605-256-5003.

There is no cost to participate in any of the programs, but park entrance licenses are required for all vehicles entering the park.

For more information on activities in South Dakota state parks, visit www.gfp.sd.gov , contact the individual park office, or call 605-773-3391.

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2012 Tri-State Conservation Grazing Workshop Scheduled

A Gathering of Natural Resource Professionals and Livestock Producers to Discuss and Learn About Livestock Grazing as a Land Management Tool.

PIERRE, S.D. - The Society for Range Management will host the 2012 Tri-State Conservation Grazing Workshop at the Dakota Magic Casino near Hankinson, N.D., on Aug. 21-22.

The workshop is sponsored by conservation organizations from South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, including the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

The Tri-State Conservation Grazing Workshop will bring together natural resource professionals and livestock producers from all three states to learn about the use of livestock grazing as a grassland management and conservation tool.

On Aug. 21, participants learn about the current opportunities, information and challenges of managing grassland habitats and achieving conservation objectives with livestock. On Aug. 22, the workshop will consist of a field tour and on-site discussions about livestock grazing for conservation objectives.

Registration is $50 per day, and participants can register until the day of the workshop. To register, visit the 2012 Tri-State Conservation Grazing Workshop web site at: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/2012conservationgrazingworkshop , or register by phone at 800-627-0326, extension 456 (please mention 2012 Tri-State Conservation Grazing Workshop). Limited space is available.

"This workshop is a great way for South Dakota farmers and ranchers to learn about ways to maximize their grasslands not only for livestock production but for wildlife as well," said Tim Olson, a GFP biologist. "Healthy wildlife populations can go hand in hand with healthy livestock herds and healthy grasslands."

The Society for Range Management (SRM) is the professional society dedicated to supporting people who work with rangelands and have a commitment to their sustainable use.

Rangelands comprise nearly half of all the land in the world, and are important for the goods and services produced and ecological services they provide.

SRM is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of rangelands for the benefit of current and future generations.

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For more information, contact Tim Olson at 605-773-3658 or: tim.olson@state.sd.us

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