Lawmakers unanimously approved nearly $10 million worth of annual fee increases Tuesday in Pierre for outdoor recreation such as hunting and state park visitation, with a goal of bolstering conservation efforts and accomplishing delayed park projects.
The South Dakota Legislatures Rules Review Committee gave final approval to the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks higher fees. The fee increases were previously approved by the GF&P Commission.
Kevin Robling, department secretary, said the additional funds will help address hundreds of projects put on hold due to budget constraints. The projects are part of the departments five-year development and maintenance plan, which Robling described as crucial to ensuring the states outdoor recreation areas remain accessible and well-maintained.
Department officials cited inflation as the driving force. The departments Division of Parks and Recreation, which oversees state parks, last adjusted fees in 2019. The Wildlife Division, which manages conservation, hunting, fishing and wildlife management, did so in 2014.
The increases cover an array of licenses and fees, with non-South Dakota residents paying higher prices. For example, nonresident state park entrance licenses are increasing by $24 for nonresidents, and by $4 for residents. Other adjustments include a $5 increase on resident combination hunting-fishing licenses; a $3 increase on resident fishing licenses and a $13 increase on nonresident fishing licenses; and a $21 increase on nonresident small-game hunting licenses.
During the hearing, department staff, commissioners, and representatives from conservation and tourism organizations expressed support for the proposal. Former department wildlife biologist and currentSouth Dakota Wildlife Federationlobbyist George Vandel spoke in favor, emphasizing thatthe feesserve as the bedrock of wildlife management and conservation in South Dakota.
The only thing that I spent that goes directly back into managing that resource, and making it good hunting and fishing, is that state hunting license, Vandel said. 100% of those hunting and fishing license fees go back into the management of that resource.
The Wildlife Divisionreported$17.6 million worth of nonresident license sales and $11.2 million worth of resident license sales last year. The Division of Parks and Recreation reported $17.5 million in park entrance revenue.
The finalized fee proposal also includes the implementation of a $50 habitat conservation specialty license platesauthorized by the Legislatureearlier this year.
About South Dakota Searchlight: We use our journalistic searchlight to illuminate critical issues facing South Dakota, dissect the decisions made by state leaders, and explain the consequences of their policies and the role of politics on South Dakotans.South Dakota Searchlight launched in 2022. Were an affiliate ofStates Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. The staff of the Searchlight retains full editorial independence.
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