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Causes: Animals, Environment, Natural Resources Conservation & Protection, Parks & Playgrounds, Wildlife Sanctuaries
Mission:
To solicit and encourage private and public support for conservation and management of our State’s natural resources, for the benefit and enjoyment of South Dakotans and their guests.
Programs: Bear Butte is a state park located on the north end of the Black Hills in western South Dakota. It is also a unique geologic feature, a volcanic plug, that was and is considered a sacred site among a number of native American tribes. Conservation easements or land acquisitions around the butte are two tools to prevent development from destroying the view around the park and disrupt those practicing religious ceremonies on the Butte. Development has occured in this area at a rapid pace in the form of commercial venues catering to motorcylcists visiting the area for the Sturgis Bike Rallye. These venues feature camping and other accommodations, and rock concerts. These venues are better kept at a distance from the butte. Our Foundation is attempting to raise $500,000 in private funds to acquire one small tract of land and one conservation easement.