PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is cautioning the public to keep fire danger in mind when accessing lands owned and managed by the agency.
In western South Dakota, where several forest and prairie fires have occurred, GFP has closed several vehicle-access trails in Game Production Areas. Closure signs are being posted at those trails, and some vehicle-access trails will even be gated to indicate closure.
“We really feel this is a prudent action to take in light of the extreme fire danger and burn bans that are being put in place across most of western South Dakota,” said Mike Kintigh, GFP regional supervisor in Rapid City. “Closing public-use areas is a last resort, but given the time of year when there is limited public use of these areas anyway, our focus and concern is to ensure protection for the important wildlife habitats on these Game Production Areas.”
Access trails on other Game Production Areas in the state will remain open to public use for the time being, but extreme caution is advised for people who use those lands.
“We are currently allowing vehicle access on the trails of our other Game Production Aeas,” said Emmett Keyser, assistant director of the GFP Wildlife Division. “But we urge you to park your vehicle at the entrance and access those lands on foot only.”
Keyser also reminds the public that state law prohibits people from discharging fireworks on any lands owned or leased by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. In addition, it is illegal to have an open fire on any public lands except in established fireplaces.
Finally, Keyser encourages people who use public lands to limit any activities with the potential to accidentally start fires. It also is suggested that people who use those public areas carry firefighting equipment, such as water and shovels, so any fires that start can be quickly extinguished.
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