At the heart of conserving and protecting natural treasures throughout the state lies the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
The foundation’s drive and efforts to protect the state’s resources are done in many ways, but in large are accomplished by providing financial support to assist South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks with priority projects. Together, they make a great team.
Over the past 15 years, over $26 million has been raised through private donors. These donations bridge the gap between public and private funding and have helped to build visitor centers, the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, and enhance hiking and biking trails, to name a few.
“We exist to be the non-profit arm of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks,” said Kristina Coby, executive director of the foundation.
Since 1985, the two organizations have collaborated closely to secure funding for priority parks and wildlife-related projects identified by the Department.
“We offer the ability for private citizens to contribute land, funds, or other resources to the state,” said Coby.
The South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation is governed by a dedicated board of directors who volunteer their time and expertise to further the foundation’s mission.
“Our role is to be active, involved, and engaged in the foundation’s mission,” said board member Rollie Noem. “We’re involved in the various aspects of finance, marketing, and properties.”
The board consists of individuals from various backgrounds, including conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and community representatives. They bring a diverse range of skills and knowledge to guide the foundation’s initiatives and efforts.
“My true volunteers are my board,” said Coby. “Our board is comprised of members from all over the state that know niche communities, so I feel that I have a reach into every neighborhood.”
The members actively engage in fundraising campaigns, network with potential donors, participate in community outreach programs, and guide the organization’s involvement in projects initiated by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.
“From a board perspective, it’s not about just identifying donors,” said Noem. “We work to form long-term relationships with people that allow them to become more knowledgeable and informed about the opportunity to make a difference in South Dakota’s outdoor heritage. Our goal is to make a friend first, and the rest will follow in due course.”
“The staff supports the mission of the organization by performing the work,” Coby added.
Their commitment and passion for preserving the state’s natural heritage are instrumental in achieving the foundation’s goals.
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The foundation is committed to fostering an appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation among residents, particularly the younger generation. Through various educational programs, it has maintained its connection with individuals by encouraging environmental stewardship and promoting outdoor activities.
The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls has done just that and has offered education in hunting, fishing, conservation science, environmental science, and outdoor science for 25 years.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the education center is expanding tremendously.
“The reality is that we’re bursting at the seams,” laughed Coby. “We want to bring the building up to speed.”
As part of the expansion, the building will include additional classrooms, an indoor range with 12 archery and BB gun shooting lanes, a walk-in cooler and area for processing wild game and wild game cooking, an outdoor smoking and grilling patio, and more.
“My favorite part of working with the foundation is the genuine people who have a genuine passion for all things outdoors.” – Kristina Coby
“The indoor archery and BB gun range are going to provide a space that can bring outdoor skills inside during the harsh winter months,” said Coby.
The building will also receive an expansion of office space for interns, updated restrooms, and a nursing mother’s room.
“It’s an important milestone to celebrate 25 years of programming, and now the community can help us grow into the next 25,” said Coby.
The foundation is continually working to remove obstacles in order to allow everyone to get outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer. With that in mind, and in addition to the Outdoor Campus expansion, the foundation is also supporting Operation Mobility.
The campaign will allow those with physical challenges to continue being part of cherished Midwestern traditions.
“Operation Mobility is all about making South Dakota one of the most accessible states in the country when it comes to outdoor recreation,” expressed Coby.
“We want to give every citizen the opportunity to have some skin in the game when it comes to our outdoor heritage.” – Kristina Coby
She continued to say an effort is in the works to provide and distribute 30 all-terrain track chairs and trailers across the state. The chairs can be used for hunting in the field, fishing on the bank, hiking in the parks, and more.
“These chairs and units will help get those people back in the field,” she smiled.
The first chair was purchased by a family who, like so many South Dakota families, holds the opening day of hunting season near to their hearts. This family hosted a hunter who was a paraplegic and used a wheelchair in the field.
This first chair assisted its first hunter at the Oahe Downstream Disabled Hunt during the 2022 deer season.
“The hunter had a team or assistant with him and took him to a prime spot, and he was able to shoot the deer and pull it out of the field himself with the chair,” reflected Coby. “He hadn’t been able to do that in 25 years.”
Through their continuous efforts and dedication, the South Dakota Parks & Wildlife Foundation continues to make an impact on the state’s parks, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and natural resources, ensuring their preservation for future generations to enjoy.
