500 E. Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 773-3212

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Contact: Mark Johnston or Roxy Everson at 605-773-3212

 

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds today announced the appointment of Susan Knippling, Gann Valley, to the Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission, effective April 10.   Gov. Rounds also announced the reappointment of Spencer Hawley, Brookings, to a second term on the Commission.

 

Knippling will fill the position currently held by Christine Hamilton, Kimball.  

 

“I am pleased that Susan Knippling has accepted a position on the Game, Fish and Parks Commission,” said Gov. Rounds.   “Susan and her family have worked with GFP on several habitat projects and she has a great outlook on the importance of wildlife to South Dakota.”

 

Susan is an avid hunter, who especially enjoys pheasant, deer and elk seasons. The Knippling family is well-known in the ranching community. They have worked very effectively with GFP and other agencies on habitat and ranch management projects. Examples include: the living snow fence program, multi-purpose pond development projects, pond fish management programs, Giant Canada Goose relocations, grazing management projects and the Bootstraps program. Susan has been a member of the Chamberlain School Board for 13 years, involved with technology, curriculum, grading & assessment, CIMP and negotiations committees. She also serves on the Associated School Boards of South Dakota Board of Directors.

 

“We welcome Susan to the GFP Commission,” said GFP Secretary John Cooper. “She comes from a ranching background with strong ties to the land and a commitment to natural resources. She will be a great addition to our Commission. Additionally, the relationship between the Knippling family and the GFP staff is a model to look to as the department works to improve relations with the landowners across the state."

 

Susan and her family are in the ranching/farming business. She and her husband, Randy, have 4 children and enjoy hunting, fishing, all sports, spending time at her family’s cabin in the Black Hills and spoiling their three grandchildren.

 

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