PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed the creation of a new rule to facilitate the ability of landowners to manage man-made, created waters on their land or under their control.

Currently, state law requires authorization for landowners to stock fish, remove fish in quantities above established limits, use special netting or sampling equipment and apply chemicals to control vegetation in waters containing game fish. These authorizations are currently handled one at a time with a different application required for each activity. 

The proposed rule would allow for the completion of a one-time application and allow all activities stated above to occur on all waters included in the authorization. Use of sampling equipment typically used in fisheries management and stocking fish species commonly managed in South Dakota would be included. Lastly, this proposed rule would allow private contractors to provide fisheries management services to landowners.

“This proposal is a simple way for the department to meet its statutory responsibilities and provide a mechanism for landowners to manage fisheries on their property,” concluded John Lott, GFP chief of aquatic resources.

The Commission will finalize this proposal Oct. 6-7, 2016, at the Wrangler Inn in Mobridge. Written comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. To be part of the official public record, comments must be received by 12 p.m. on Oct. 6. Please include a full name along with the city and state of residence. To comment in person, the public hearing will be held Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. CDT at the Wrangler Inn in Mobridge.