Focus Species 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