South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks

Last updated
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks
South Dakota GFP Logo.png
Official Logo of the South Dakota GFP
Agency overview
Formed1918
TypeFish and Wildlife Management, Parks and Recreation, Law Enforcement Agency
Jurisdiction State of South Dakota, U.S.
Headquarters523 E. Capitol Ave, Pierre, South Dakota 57501
44°21′56″N100°20′44″W / 44.365453°N 100.345622°W / 44.365453; -100.345622 Coordinates: 44°21′56″N100°20′44″W / 44.365453°N 100.345622°W / 44.365453; -100.345622
Employees486 permanent, 513 seasonal, 174 interns (as of 2018) [1]
Annual budget$56,246,035 (FY 2018)
Agency executives
  • Kelly Hepler, Secretary of Game, Fish, and Parks
  • Tony Leif, Director of Wildlife
  • Katie Ceroll, Director of Parks and Recreation
  • Chris Petersen, Director of Administration
Child agencies
  • Wildlife Division
  • Parks and Recreation Division
Website gfp.sd.gov
Map
South Dakota in United States.svg
Jurisdiction of South Dakota GFP

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) is the U.S. State of South Dakota's state agency charged with the management of the state's public recreational and outdoor resources. The GFP manages the 13 state parks and 43 state recreation areas within the state parks system, totaling over 96,000 acres of public lands. The agency manages the hunting of game and the state's fisheries, manages several wildlife management areas and game production areas to restore or establish habitat for a variety of species. The agency conducts public outdoor education programs, typically focusing on hunting and boating safety. The department issues hunting and fishing licenses along with issuance of boat registrations. The agency is also charged with enforcement of fish and game laws, including invasive species regulations. The agency is headquartered in Pierre, South Dakota. [2]

Contents

Game, Fish, and Parks Commission

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) manages the outdoor resources and associated recreational activities of the state under the authority granted by the South Dakota Constitution through South Dakota Codified Laws, Administrative Rules of South Dakota and policies of the Department. The GFP Commission serves as the advocate and liaison between the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and its customers and partners. The Commission consists of eight members, appointed by the Governor of South Dakota for four year terms. The commission sets rules, regulation, and policy for agency direction. [3]

GFP organization and divisions

Game, Fish & Parks is headquartered in Pierre, the state capitol. Regional offices are located in Aberdeen, Chamberlain, Ft. Pierre, Huron, Mobridge, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Webster. [4]

Wildlife division

Pronghorn, a common species in western South Dakota. Antilocapra.jpg
Pronghorn, a common species in western South Dakota.
Common pheasant, the South Dakota State Bird, and a popular game species. Phasianus colchicus 2 tom (Lukasz Lukasik).jpg
Common pheasant, the South Dakota State Bird, and a popular game species.

The wildlife division manages state wildlife areas, game production areas, and helps manage the various animal, fish, and plant species of South Dakota. The wildlife division helps monitor wildlife populations, establish hunting seasons, and manages state-owned lands for habitat for these species.

Game species managed by the GFP in South Dakota include: pronghorn, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, mountain goat, Mountain lion, bison, turkey, common pheasant, prairie grouse, sage grouse, ruffed grouse, partridge, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, common snipe, American crow, quail, tree squirrel, and various waterfowl including duck, Canada goose, and snow goose. The taking or hunting of these species requires a state-issued hunting license and may only be hunted during designated hunting seasons. The GFP also regulates the Trapping of furbearing animals such as coyote, raccoon, beaver, muskrat, bobcats, mink and red fox within the state. [5]

Law enforcement division

The law enforcement division consists of state conservation officers who are commissioned law enforcement officers. They enforce laws and conduct investigations related to hunting, fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation activities. Officers are trained as first responders and respond to such incidents such as boating, snowmobile, and ATV accidents. They often are called to assist with search, rescue, and recovery efforts. As of 2018 there were 60 Conservation Officers stationed throughout the state. [6]

Parks and recreation

GFP operates 13 state parks, 43 recreation areas, four nature areas, two historic sites and one trail, totaling approximately 96,000 acres. These areas preserve natural geologic features, historic and sacred Plains Indian sites, and historic pioneer settlements and forts. They also provide recreational facilities and access to waterbodies, including the Missouri River, on which there are 25 recreation areas. South Dakota State Parks and recreation areas range in size from the 19-acre Sandy Shore Recreation Area to the 71,000-acre Custer State Park. It was the first park established in the system, in 1919. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run is the most recent park, added in 2013. System-wide visitation in 2016 was 7,500,000.

Education and outreach

The GFP offers a variety of educational resources including curriculum supplements, outdoor skills and safety training, education materials (field guides, learning kits), and a variety of other resources (DNR[ clarification needed ] for kids, grants). GFP operates two outdoor campus facilities, located in Sioux Falls and Rapid City for public outreach and outdoor education for the state's two largest cities.

Fisheries

The fisheries division operates state fish hatcheries, conducts fish health, population and other studies, and stocks rivers, lakes and streams. [7] The GFP currently[ when? ] owns and manages four state fish hatchery facilities:

See also

Related Research Articles

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nebraska Game and Parks Commission</span>

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) is the State of Nebraska's State agency charged with stewardship of the state's fish, wildlife, state park, and outdoor recreation resources. The agency is led by a governor-appointed member commission consisting of 9 commissioners which directs agency management. The commission is also charged with issuing of state hunting licenses, fishing licenses, and boat registrations. The agency also manages State Parks and recreation areas throughout the state. It conducts public education programs for hunting and boating safety. The agency is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources</span>

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, is responsible for the conservation of wildlife resources and for boating projects in the state. A commissioner appointed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission heads the department. The commission—which oversees the department's commissioner and promulgates regulations governing fishing, hunting, and boating—is a nine-member bipartisan board appointed by the governor from a list of candidates nominated by active hunters and anglers in each of nine geographic districts in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lewis and Clark Lake</span> Man-made lake in Nebraska and South Dakota, United States

Lewis and Clark Lake is a 31,400 acre (130 km²) reservoir located on the border of the U.S. states of Nebraska and South Dakota on the Missouri River. The lake is approximately 25 miles (40 km) in length with over 90 miles (140 km) of shoreline and a maximum water depth of 45 feet (14 m). The lake is impounded by Gavins Point Dam and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minnesota Department of Natural Resources</span> State government agency in Minnesota, United States

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or Minnesota DNR, is the agency of the U.S. state of Minnesota charged with conserving and managing the state's natural resources. The agency maintains areas such as state parks, state forests, recreational trails, and recreation areas as well as managing minerals, wildlife, and forestry throughout the state. The agency is divided into six divisions - Ecological & Water Resources, Enforcement, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry, Lands & Minerals, and Parks & Trails.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michigan Department of Natural Resources</span>

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the agency of the state of Michigan charged with maintaining natural resources such as state parks, state forests, and recreation areas. It is governed by a director appointed by the Governor and accepted by the Natural Resources Commission. Currently the Director is Daniel Eichinger. The DNR has about 1,400 permanent employees, and over 1,600 seasonal employees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Parks and Wildlife Department</span> Texas state agency

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) is a Texas state agency that oversees and protects wildlife and their habitats. In addition, the agency is responsible for managing the state's parks and historical areas. Its mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Carolina Department of Natural Resources</span>

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a South Carolina state agency charged with regulating hunting, fishing, boating, duck stamp orders, and the conservation efforts of the state government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Department of Fish and Wildlife</span> Government agency in California

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), formerly known as the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), is a state agency under the California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages and protects the state's wildlife, wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, algae (kelp) and native habitats (ecosystems). The department is responsible for regulatory enforcement and management of related recreational, commercial, scientific, and educational uses. The department also prevents illegal poaching.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency</span> Conservation agency in the United States

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is an independent state agency of the state of Tennessee with the mission of managing the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as responsibility for all wildlife-related law enforcement activities. The agency also has responsibility for fostering the safe use of the state's waters through a program of law enforcement, education, and access.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conservation officer</span> Nature police

A conservation officer is a law enforcement officer who protects wildlife and the environment. A conservation officer may also be referred to as an environmental technician or technologist, game warden, forest ranger, forest watcher, forest guard, forester, gamekeeper, investigator, wilderness officer, wildlife officer, or wildlife trooper.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of Alabama's natural resources including state parks, state lands, wildlife and aquatic resources. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. The department promotes wise stewardship and enjoyment of the state's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Supporting those divisions are seven support sections: Accounting, Diversity and Recruiting, Engineering, Information and Education, Information Technology, Legal, and Personnel and Payroll.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a government agency in the state of Maryland charged with maintaining natural resources including state parks, public lands, state forests, state waterways, wildlife, and recreation areas. Its headquarters is in Annapolis.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is an agency of the government of the U.S. state of West Virginia. While formerly known as the cabinet-level Department of Natural Resources, it is now part of the West Virginia Department of Commerce. The WVDNR is responsible for wildlife management, hunting and fishing regulations, and boater safety and also oversees state parks and resorts. It also operates the West Virginia State Wildlife Center, a zoo in French Creek that exhibits West Virginian wildlife.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (Massachusetts)</span>

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, sometimes referred to as MassWildlife, is an agency of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. MassWildlife was founded as a state fisheries commission in 1866 in response to citizen concerns about the loss of Atlantic salmon to dams and pollution. The agency's activities are mainly supported by revenue from the sale of hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, stamps and permits; returns from federal taxes on hunting and fishing equipment; various bond initiatives (primarily for land purchase. Additional funding is derived from voluntary donations from businesses, conservation organizations, and individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Yankton (South Dakota)</span> Body of water

Lake Yankton, also called Cottonwood Lake, is an artificial lake that was originally part of the main channel of the Missouri River on the border of the U.S. States of Nebraska and South Dakota, near Yankton, South Dakota. The lake has an approximate surface area of 250 acres (100 ha) and has a maximum depth of 18 feet (5.5 m). The lake is located immediately downstream (east) of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake, located just north of the current location of the main channel of the Missouri River.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is the State of North Dakota's State agency charged with stewardship of the state's fish, game, and wildlife resources. The department sets fish and game regulations, including issuance of hunting and fishing licenses and enforcement of state regulations throughout the state. The department also enforces watercraft regulations and registration, along with enforcement of Invasive species laws.

References

  1. "GFP Annual Report 2018".
  2. https://gfp.sd.gov/
  3. "Current Meeting Overview".
  4. "Contact Us".
  5. "Hunting in South Dakota".
  6. "Contact Us".
  7. "Fishing in South Dakota".