SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Governor Daugaard continues pitching a plan to establish a state park at Roughlock Falls near Savoy in Spearfish Canyon.
Daugaard says legislators will be asked to appropriate $2.5 million to pay for land held in trust by School and Public Lands.
Daugaard say the money will go to public schools in South Dakota. He says Game, Fish and Parks will take control of those parcels of property, mostly grassland adjacent to federal land, enabling a trade with the federal government for property around Savoy in the the Canyon.
Daugaard say the state has already spent money in the northern Black Hills improving scenic access.
The Governor also announced today that entrance fees are no longer being considered for the proposed Spearfish Canyon State Park.
Based upon the public input Daugaard has received on creating a state park in Spearfish Canyon, "I am recommending against entrance fees. South Dakotans feel a fee would restrict access to the canyon."
A discussion on other types of fees will still take place, according to GFP. How to manage fees for those seeking special use of the area for weddings, camping or other events will be addressed at upcoming public input meetings.