GFP News - June 14, 2012

CUSTER STATE PARK - A portion of Custer State Park's Playhouse Road, from Iron Mountain Road to the Center Lake turnoff, will be closed for construction on June 20-22.

Traffic to the Black Hills Playhouse and Center Lake should use Needles Highway to access those areas.

"The road will be getting a chip seal," said Jayme Severyn Custer State Park's building engineer assistant. "The work should be done in three days, weather permitting."

For more information contact Custer State Park at 605-255-4515.

Boating Safety Emphasized by Game, Fish and Parks

PIERRE, S.D. - Water temperatures are warming in South Dakota, and boaters typically begin to take to the water in greater numbers as the July Fourth holiday approaches.

In an effort to help keep those boaters safe on South Dakota's public waters, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will step up its efforts over the next few weekends to conduct boating safety checks across the state.

"While GFP conservation officers routinely conduct boating safety checks during much of the year, these stepped up efforts are being made as part of a nationwide boating safety campaign in conjunction with the National Association of Boating Law Adminstrators (NASBLA)," said Brandon Gust, GFP boating safety coordinator.

Before heading onto the water this summer, Gust encourages boaters to take a close look at their fire extinguishers, life jackets, throwable seat cushions and other equipment to be sure they're in good working condition. "The best way to prevent an unwanted tragedy on the water is to be prepared."

If boaters are uncertain what safety equipment they are required to have onboard, Gust suggests that they pick up a copy of the South Dakota Boating Handbook at the nearest GFP Office, state park, GFP-license outlet or by going online at http://gfp.sd.gov/fishing-boating/boating/

The following list of required safety equipment serves as a quick reference, but Gust suggests that boaters take a few minutes to review other safety regulations in the South Dakota Boating Handbook. The majority of boats in South Dakota are required to carry:

• One U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable, properly sized personable flotation device for each person aboard
• One U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable type flotation device (seat cushion or ring buoy) for vessels 16 feet or longer
• One U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher of B-1 type or larger for vessels with enclosed gas compartments

While state regulations require that children under the age of seven must wear their life jackets anytime a boat is moving on the water at 'greater than no-wake speed,' Gust encourages parents to have all children wear life jackets. Gust also emphasizes that parents should check to be sure each child has a properly sized lifejacket to ensure it doesn't come off when they jump into the water.

"Of course, it goes without saying that life jackets will not keep anyone afloat, young or old, if they're not wearing them," said Gust.

Boating accidents present a special safety concern, and Gust asks that boaters be especially mindful when other boats are present.

"Many times we see boat accidents that involve inexperienced operators, but careless or reckless operators present a problem for everyone," he said.

Finally, Gust asks that boat operators do their part to make for a safe outing and limit alcohol consumption.

"The safety of everyone aboard a boat depends on having a sober and competent boat operator," he said. "While open containers of alcohol are allowed in boats, we want to ensure that each boat has a designated sober operator at all times."

-GFP-

Make Plans to Attend Special Events in South Dakota State Parks

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota state parks will be holding several special events the fourth weekend in June. The activities are a great way to spend a summer day. Make plans to attend the following events:

• Family Fun Days, Pickerel Lake Recreation Area near Waubay. Friday, June 22 through Sunday, June 24. Enjoy a fun-filled family weekend. There'll be lots of games and events for the whole family. Activities are held at the west campground. Info: 605-486-4753
• Basic Birding, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington. Learn about birds of the area while hiking the park trails. All ages welcome. Some binoculars will be available, but you're encouraged to bring your own. Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m. CDT. Info: 605-627-5441
• Dutch Oven Gathering, North Point Recreation Area near Pickstown. Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m. CDT. Learn how to use a Dutch oven and try your hand cooking over a fire. Tasting the results is required! Info: 605-487-7046
• Crazy Critters of South Dakota, Pierson Ranch Recreation Area near Yankton. Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m. CDT. Come enjoy an educational program that centers on some of our crazy animal neighbors. Info: 605-668-2985
• Mr. Drip's Trip, Newton Hills State Park near Canton. Saturday, June 23, at 11 a.m. CDT. This fun activity will teach about all the places a single drop of water can travel over the course of 5,000 years. We will also talk about water conservation and how important our natural resources are while making a craft. This program qualifies as a Junior Naturalist Program. Info: 605-987-2263
• Adventures Among the Clouds, Roy Lake State Park near Lake City. Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m. CDT. In this Jr. Naturalist program, participants will learn about the different types of clouds and when clouds are dangerous. Info: 605-448-5701
• A Walk on the Dark Side Night Hike, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton. Saturday, June 23, 10 p.m. CDT. Bring flashlights and lanterns as we learn about the night life of the Gavin's Nature Trail. Please meet at trail head and wear walking shoes. Info: 605-668-2985

The programs are open to all ages. There is no charge to participate in the events; however, a park entrance license is required to enter the parks.

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

-GFP-