Norbeck Wildlife Preserve 100th Anniversary

 Check out the newly launched interagency video that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve!

The intent of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve was to have “…lands set aside for the protection of game animals and birds and be recognized as a breeding place therefor,” but until recently those species weren’t specifically defined. Back in 2007, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks and the Forest Service came up with a list of species and the rationale as to why they were selected. That list was then coined the “Focus Species”, which outlined treatment and analysis within Norbeck. There are 5 big game and 7 bird species. The species are: • Mountain Goat • Bighorn Sheep • Rocky Mountain Elk • White-tailed Deer • Merriam’s Turkey • Mountain Bluebird • Golden-crowned Kinglet • Brown Creeper • Ruffed Grouse • Song Sparrow • Northern Goshawk • Black-backed Woodpecker #Norbeck100th #WildlifeWednesday

We are continuing to celebrate the Norbeck 100th Anniversary and are featuring some “Did You Know” questions. For example, did you know that the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve was originally called the Custer State Park Game Sanctuary? The name was changed October 6, 1949. Find more “Did You Know” questions on the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve 100th Anniversary Interagency website at: https://norbeck100th.blogspot.com/p/faq.html

Happy 100 th Anniversary Norbeck Wildlife Preserve! To kick off this momentous occasion, we are featuring the  Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway , a 66-mile double loop with breathtaking views of the Wildlife Preserve. The byway honors a South Dakota conservationist, Governor, and U.S. Senator. "An Ordinary Man with an Extraordinary Vision," Peter Norbeck who is credited with an impressive list of conservation accomplishments. To the people of South Dakota and the nation, he bequeathed an enduring legacy through the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Kiosk at Norbeck Overlook off of Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway