Julie Bartling

The 2023-2027 South Dakota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan aims to meet the needs of citizens by providing quality, accessible outdoor recreational facilities across the state. It outlines six key strategies: providing diverse year-round opportunities for all ages and abilities; maintaining and improving existing parks and recreation areas; acquiring and protecting open space and natural resources; safeguarding fish and wildlife habitat; enhancing communication and education about outdoor recreation; and advocating for outdoor recreation's role in health and lifestyle. The plan emphasizes sound decision-making and collaboration among providers to guide the future direction of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The meeting agenda includes administrative items such as conflict of interest disclosures, commissioner salary days, and the election of a vice chair. Informational briefings cover legislative updates, staff introductions, and various division reports. The public hearing segment allows for public comment, and finalization items include discussions on water zoning, lake access improvements, waterfowl refuge status, and habitat programs. Multiple proposals are set for review, including hunting season regulations for deer, elk, waterfowl, and bighorn sheep. The Division of Wildlife plans to address action plans for Canada geese and wildlife damage management, alongside updates on elk management, fishery reports, and bounty programs. The Division of Parks and Recreation agenda features an RFP for the Custer State Park Resort lease and discussions on outreach programs, funding, and revenue reports.

The commission addressed various wildlife management and park administration topics. Key actions included the election of a Vice Chair, finalizing the establishment of a no-wake zone at Iron Creek Lake, removing waterfowl refuge status from Lake Albert, and modifying the Hunt for Habitat raffle program. The commission also proposed adjustments to antelope, deer, elk, and waterfowl hunting seasons. Wildlife-focused resolutions included the adoption of Canada Goose and Wildlife Damage Management action plans, and a transition from the Nest Predator Bounty Program to a Youth Trapping Recruitment Program alongside a new Coyote Bounty Program. Additionally, the commission approved the Custer State Park Resort Lease RFP and reviewed reports on elk action plans, fishery status, habitat stamp projects, license sales, and park outreach initiatives.

The commission addressed several wildlife and park management issues. Key actions included the denial of a license list request and a petition regarding walleye and sauger limits on Lake Francis Case, the approval of a Black Hills elk hunting season rule modification, and the finalization of antelope, turkey, deer, elk, waterfowl, and bighorn sheep hunting season regulations. Additionally, the commission approved the Dock 44 prospectus release and received updates on the Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Complex, various park improvement projects, and the Adventure 250 program. The meeting also included reports on license sales and the 2026-2030 South Dakota Elk Action Plan.

This strategic guidance document outlines the South Dakota Wildlife Damage Management Action Plan for 2026-2030. It serves as a roadmap for the Division of Wildlife's efforts in wildlife damage management, emphasizing cooperative engagement with interested publics in both planning and program activities. The plan is structured around four main goals: supporting landowners in minimizing damage to livestock, crops, and property; promoting strong landowner and stakeholder relations through effective communication; delivering excellent customer service and maintaining program transparency; and strengthening partnerships with landowners for habitat enhancement and increased public hunting access.