Adventures in the Black Hills for Class XII
Day 1: Engagements, Marriages, and Mountain Goats
Today, SDARL Class XII gathered at Custer State Park for Seminar 6, Natural and Cooperative Resources. As is tradition, we kicked off the afternoon with class member updates. It is always amazing to learn about the exciting things the group is up to, and today's updates were no exception. We had everything from new jobs to engagement and marriage announcements! Well done Class XII!
Next was the long-awaited presentation of the arcade battle award from Seminar 4 to Team Walleye. They had been waiting for the award since Aberdeen and Team Walleye graciously accepted it despite the shouts of “cheaters!” from the crowd.
Following the award presentation, Mark Hendrix (SDARL Class XI), former Custer State Park Resource Program Manager and Range Ecologist, joined us to talk about Custer State Park. We learned about how the park was originally formed by combining public and private lands, how bison were introduced to the park in 1919, and that the park has the longest-standing bison auction in the world (58 years). We also learned that the park once had a zoo and how the mountain goats brought for the zoo ended up escaping and settling in the park. It was a fascinating discussion – thank you, Mark!
We capped off the day with a potluck-style feast and great conversations!
Looking forward to a great seminar!
Day 2: Trees, Rocks, and Majestic Views
Wow - what a day!
Day 2 started off with an excellent panel discussion on the Black Hills timber industry. We learned about the many challenges and successes facing the Black Hills National Forest from an industry rep, the SD state forester, and an NRCS conservation forester. One important topic was the idea of "desired conditions." Forests are managed based on stakeholders' desired conditions (timber production, wildlife, fire management, recreation, etc.). Unfortunately, not all stakeholders share the same desires, making forest management a game of balancing desired outcomes and unintended consequences.
Building on the panel discussion we took to the field to view forest management in action. We got to see the positive impacts of proper forest management in contrast to poorly managed, fire-damaged areas – you could really see the value of a well-managed forest. We also got to see timber harvesting in action! It was a clean and efficient process, and it smelled like Christmas trees!
Switching from timber to minerals, we spent the lunch hour talking about the importance and economic value of mineral exploration in the hills. The SD Mineral Industries Association and Iris Metals educated us on staking claims, exploration, and drilling techniques, and showed us the very sophisticated handheld device they use to identify different minerals in drill core. We also had the opportunity to visit an active exploration drill site near Custer. What a great experience.
Finally, we spent the afternoon and evening with Frank (SDARL Class V) and Marcene Bloom exploring their ranch south of Scenic. Frank led us on a driving tour of the Sheep Mountain area of the Badlands South Unit, including stops at several scenic lookout points and the train station (think Yellowstone). Don't worry, we all made it out alive. Next, outside Frank and Marcene's place we branded, vaccinated, and castrated 12 bull calves. It was a great opportunity for some Class XII members to do things they had never done before. To close out the day, we enjoyed a fabulous meal prepared by Marcene and, with full bellies, watched the sunset over the majestic Badlands.
What an amazing day!
Day 3: Bison, Power, and Social Time
Day 3 began bittersweet for Class XII, knowing our time in beautiful Custer State Park would be ending soon. But, before we left, we traveled down the wildlife loop (past the beloved burros) to the CSP Bison Center and Corrals where Chad Kremer, CSP bison herd manager, welcomed us and led us through the Bison Center. (Side note, if you don't know Chad, you have probably seen him in the meme about petting a bison and waking up in a ditch without pants!) From the center we walked down to the corral grandstand where we heard a highly technical and fascinating presentation from CSP forester Brandon Prehn about timber management in the park. Chad rounded out the morning with an in-depth presentation on the history and management of the CSP bison herd. Well done, Custer State Park!
Next, we traveled to Rapid City for a lunch (taco bar!) and learn at Black Hills Energy's Horizon Point facility. Panelists from Black Hills Energy, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, West River Electric Association, and Montana-Dakota Utilities talked all things energy and power generation and had a lively and informative Q&A session about the state of the industry covering everything from green energy, government regulations, nuclear power, and rural electrification. It was clear our panelists were passionate about providing safe and reliable power to us today, and for our kids and grandkids. Finally, we got a tour of the open concept, employee friendly, Horizon Point facility.
To round out the day we went to the Central States Fairgrounds for dinner and socializing with SDARL friends, alumni, and board members. Prior to dinner, Class XII teams gave presentations on their advocacy visits from the Edge, Agropur, and Valley Queen National Study Seminar in Washington, D.C. It was a great reminder that even though we may not agree we can and should work to find common ground. As always, the food was excellent and the conversations engaging!
Another great day for Class XII!
Day 4: Service and Leadership
Class XII's Seminar 6 experience wrapped up our final day with lessons in service and leadership. We started the morning at Camp Rapid for a presentation on the South Dakota National Guard. We learned about the guard's history, its mission, and how they serve both the Nation and our local communities. More than 9,000 SD Guard members have been deployed since September 11, 2001, including many multiple deployments. We are truly grateful for their service.
After the presentation we traveled to the Guard's Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) for team building and leadership development. We split into teams and tackled four thought-provoking and physically challenging obstacles. We learned how to work together and how the different skills of our teammates were all necessary to be successful. We also had a lot of fun!
Finally, we met at a nearby park for team time, reflections, and lunch.
It was a great week out west and we are all looking forward to the First Dakota Seminar on Agriculture, Finance, and Economic Development next month in Yankton.
By Seminar Reporter Brian Walsh
Photos courtesy of Kaleb Bowman and SDARL
Special thanks to Seminar Team Leaders Tami Biskeborn and Justin Boerboom