A public scoping meeting with Badlands National Park staff is scheduled at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Outdoor Learning Campus in Rapid City tonight.
The public is invited to offer their opinion on a proposed Bison Management Plan for the national park.
Bison first came to Badlands National Park in the 1960s. Wildlife biologist Eddie Childers says the 1000 head herd is happy in its present location, but there are options for its future management.
“We’re gonna be asking the question to the public...can our bison range be extended to other locations within our current boundary and what locations can be added to our environmental assessment,” Childers explains.
Options for additional range areas include parcels adjacent to the park.
Childers says the future bison management plan includes range improvements such as erecting horse fencing, modifying dams, installing cattle guards and re-seeding native grasses.
Those who can’t attend the meeting are invited to submit their comments on-line until July 31.*
And since the meeting involves planning for a national park, Childers adds that comments are open to folks across the country.
*Comments can be submitted at: