GFP Commission increases park and camping fees
CHAMBERLAIN – The Game, Fish and Parks Commission moved forward with a proposal to increase state park entrance fees for the first time since 2014. The Commission also took action to raise select camping fees, many of which had also been unchanged for several years.
Pending approval from the Interim Rules Committee, fee increases will go into effect January 1, 2020.
This year, several parks have faced significant damage from flooding, with repair costs upwards of $9 million. Additionally, revenue has been impacted by decreased visitation because of weather and weather-related damage. Some campgrounds had to be closed as a result of flooding.
Annual passes to state parks will be $36 with a daily fee of $8. A 7-day motorcycle pass to Custer State Park will be $20. In campgrounds, prime campsites increase to $26, preferred sites to $23 and modern to $20. Fees for non-electric, tent-only sites will be going down in some cases. These sites will now be $15 statewide to ensure park opportunities are affordable for everyone.
The increase is in line with the rate of inflation and with fees in surrounding states. The revenue raised from this increase will directly support repairs and upkeep in state parks.
GFP Commission rejects lake aeration rule
CHAMBERLAIN – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission discussed a proposed new rule to establish the department as the designated agent of the commission for the permitting of aeration systems in meandered waters or other waters to which the state has acquired a right, title or interest.
Following public testimony, the department recommended the commission not adopt the proposal. The commission accepted the recommendation, resulting in no change.
GFP Commission rejects modifications to trapping regulations
CHAMBERLAIN – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission denied proposals to modify the period in which a trapper must check their set traps and snares. In response to a public petition and discussion of an alternative approach between the GFP Commission and Department, two alternate proposals were considered.
Between public input and discussion among commissioners, a decision was rendered which led to neither proposal being adopted. In turn, the current regulations remain unchanged and require that all traps and snares East River be checked prior to 12 o’clock midnight of the second full calendar day and all traps and snare West River be checked prior to 12 o’clock midnight of the third full calendar day. Regulations also remain unchanged for any trap or snare entirely submerged in water that remains set beneath the ice, which are to be checked prior to 12 o’clock midnight of the fifth full calendar day statewide, following a previous check or when the trap was initially set.
No change to using horses while dog training on public lands
CHAMBERLAIN – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission rejected a proposal to adjust the days when dog training on horseback can occur on public lands.
The proposal came about through the public petition process.
By not adopting the proposed changes, the commission retained the existing rules. Currently, dog trainers are allowed to use horses on public lands on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from the first Friday of August through the first Sunday in September.
