FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 28, 2005
CONTACT: Steve Thompson, 773-4191

Proposal To Change Portion of Fort Pierre Grasslands Closed To Dog Training

PIERRE, S.D. – The area of the Fort Pierre National Grasslands closed to dog training would change under a recent Game, Fish and Parks proposal.

"The Fort Pierre grassland area currently closed to dog training includes the portion west of U.S. Highway 83 and south of the Sheriff Dam Road," said GFP Game Program Assistant Steve Thompson of Pierre. "This proposal would change the closed area to the portion west of U.S. Highway 83 and north of the Sheriff Dam Road."

Thompson noted that the closure of a portion of the Fort Pierre National Grasslands to dog training is part of a scientific evaluation of the effects of dog training on grouse and prairie chicken survival, reproduction, behavior and habitat use. This will be the final year in this cooperative research project between the U.S. Forest Service, South Dakota State University and the S.D. Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks.

To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 7, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Comments must include full name and address.

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