Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Amy Ballard (605) 343-1567, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS FEATURED AT SEPTEMBER MOON WALK

RAPID CITY, SD: SEPTEMBER 2, 2008

Join the Black Hills National Forest and The Nature Conservancy on Saturday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. for an educational walk on wildlife management and Black-footed Ferrets at the TNC Badland Ranch in Conata Basin.

This 1/2 mile roundtrip walk over uneven grassland is located approximately 60 miles east of Rapid City, SD.

The featured speakers are Bob Paulson, Black Hills Area Program Director with The Nature Conservancy and Randy Griebel from the US Forest Service, Wall Ranger District. Paulson will highlight the Conservancy’s efforts to build a consensus on wildlife management and to protect the endangered Black-footed Ferret and Griebel will talk about Ferret recovery efforts.

To reach the Moon Walk site from the south travel east of Rapid City on Highway 44 approximately 55 miles to Conata Road. Turn north or left on Conata Road and travel 6 miles to Huether Road. Turn west or left and travel 2 miles to the ranch. To reach the Moon Walk site from I-90, travel approximately 50 miles to Wall, SD and take exit 110 south for 10.5 miles to Conata Road. Turn right or south and travel 2.5 miles to Huether Road. Turn right or west and travel 2 miles to the ranch.

Signs will be posted at major intersections to guide visitors to the parking area. The drive from Rapid City should take approximately ninety minutes.

The Forest Service suggests that visitors dress for unexpected weather and cooler nighttime temperatures. The program will not be cancelled due to rain unless lightning is spotted. About 100 visitors per walk have been attending the programs so please arrive early to aid us in parking vehicles.

For more information about the program and summer schedule or if you would like to be placed on an internet mailing list to receive the Moon Walk news releases and directions, please call the Mystic Ranger District at (605) 343-1567 or go to www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.