PIERRE, S.D. – Due to the emerald ash borer being detected in South Dakota, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission approved an emergency measure that no wood may be brought from a quarantined area into the South Dakota state park system. This includes state parks, state recreation areas, state lakeside use areas, state nature areas and state recreation trails. The emergency measure will be effective for up to 90 days. The Commission also proposed to make the emergency measure permanent.

The quarantine area, designated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, currently includes all of Minnehaha County and portions of Turner and Lincoln County area and will grow if the infestation moves beyond the area. Firewood from out of state is also not permitted.

Wood may be brought into the South Dakota state park system if it has a label affixed certifying it as treated for emerald ash borer.  

For more information on emerald ash borer and how to help slow the spread, visit http://emeraldashborerinsouthdakota.sd.gov/.

The GFP Commission will consider the adoption of this proposal on July 11 in Pierre. To comment in person, the public hearing will be held July 11 Pierre at 2 p.m. CDT at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. Individuals can also provide written comments on proposals by sending them to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501, or online at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record and to be considered by the Commission, comments must include a full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of 72 hours before the public hearing (not including the day of the public hearing).

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