Kevin Nyberg

The commission addressed several action items, including the approval of a license list request from Hunt Lead-Free SD, the 2027 fiscal year budget, and multiple petitions regarding bird tagging and transportation permits. Key wildlife management actions included the approval of deer and turkey season proposals, antelope license recommendations, and a resolution for big game depredation permits. Informational reports covered law enforcement recruitment, the Outdoor Campus expansion, small game harvest statistics, walleye genetics research, and updates on park division assets, including the Custer State Park Resort lease and camping revenue.

This Education Strategic Plan for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks serves as a roadmap to connect people and families to the outdoors through effective management of the state's natural resources and to conserve the outdoor heritage for future generations. The plan outlines five primary goals: developing understanding and engagement in outdoor stewardship, building a cohesive high-performance education team, growing strategic partnerships, creating a sustainable marketing plan for outdoor recreational and educational opportunities, and implementing evolving measures of success.

This South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan employs a science-based methodology to evaluate the status of the state's fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, identify challenges, and define long-term conservation actions. The plan emphasizes voluntary partnerships, updated ecological frameworks for terrestrial and aquatic systems, and addresses climate change impacts. It focuses on identifying and conserving 101 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and delineating Conservation Opportunity Areas to guide ecosystem restoration and management, with a review scheduled at 10-year intervals.

This document serves as an Addendum to the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan, implementing a minor revision completed in 2022. The revision's primary focus is to update and expand the list of 'species of greatest conservation need' (SGCN) originally identified in the 2014 plan. This involves amending tables detailing SGCN, their relationship to ecosystem diversity strategies, expected effects of climate change with suggested mitigation actions, and identified research and survey needs.

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.