Division of Parks and Recreation Honors Employees

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) recently recognized several individuals for their dedication and hard work in the state parks system. The awards were made at the Parks and Recreation Division’s fall meeting in Sioux Falls.

“This year’s honorees were all very deserving,” said Bob Schneider, assistant director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. "The dedication of these individuals can be seen in parks across the state and is enjoyed by the many visitors to South Dakota state parks and recreation areas each year."

Derek Dorr of Canistota received the 2016 South Dakota State Parks Distinguished Service Award. GFP employees who embody the mission of the state park system are selected for the honor. Dorr has been park manager at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area for over ten years.

A Program Innovation Award was given to Indian Creek Recreation Area park manager Dan Richards of Mobridge. Richards worked with the City of Mobridge to develop a plan for the area’s first enclosed fish cleaning station.

Lance Catron of Rapid City received an Award of Appreciation. Catron manages nine campgrounds and 30 seasonal employees at Custer State Park.

An Award of Appreciation also went to state park law enforcement officers. The five individuals have a combined 98 years of experience with the parks. Officers include Duane Stanley, Calvin Meyer, Dan Shaffer, Scott Pospishil and Kevin Stolz.

Teamwork Awards were presented to two different groups. The first, to the staff involved with the development efforts of South Dakota’s newest state park at Good Earth State Park at Blood Run.

The second teamwork award recognized the maintenance crew at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area who constructed an addition to the welcome center. The crew was able to complete the new construction while maintaining their daily workload. The effort saved the state money by not having to hire a contractor.

The 2016 Seasonal Employee of the Year Awards were given to Dave Stroup, who has been employed at West Whitlock Recreation Area near Gettysburg for the past 17 summers, and Gene Perkins, who has spent ten summers as a seasonal employee at Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area near Selby.

South Dakota State Parks recognized four distinguished volunteers.

Ron and Kathie Fry of Alliance, Nebraska, were honored for years of volunteer work at Custer State Park. The couple assists with many of the park’s special events, and Ron’s photography appears in several park publications.

Kate Solberg and Tessa Steinmiller of Baltic were recognized for their time spent assisting with park programming at Palisades State Park.

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GFP Mission: The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks provides sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities through responsible management of our state’s parks, fisheries and wildlife by fostering partnerships, cultivating stewardship and safely connecting people with the outdoors.